Clark Bell, Program Director
cbell@McCormickFoundation.org
312.445.5023

Clark Bell is the McCormick Foundation's Journalism Program director. Clark, who joined the foundation in October 2005, oversees journalism grant-making initiatives and shapes the program's focus on critical issues facing the news media. He manages an annual grantmaking budget of nearly $6 million.

Clark is a veteran reporter, editor, publisher and communications consultant. Prior to joining the McCormick Foundation, he was managing director for American Healthcare Solutions, where he developed communications strategies for hospitals, medical foundations and technology firms.

His extensive journalistic background includes serving as publisher of Modern Physician magazine, editor and associate publisher of Modern Healthcare magazine, executive business editor of the Dallas Times Herald and business columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. Earlier, he served as a consumer affairs reporter for the Chicago Daily News and sports writer for the Des Moines Register.

Clark earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Drake University and a master's degree in urban studies from Loyola University of Chicago. He was among the first group of journalists awarded a Sloan Fellowship to study economics at Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. Bell serves on the board of the American Society of News Editors Foundation and the Accrediting Council on Education and Journalism and Mass Communications. He is on the board of the Chicago Journalists Association Foundation and serves as chair of the advisory council of Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness.


Mark Hallett, Senior Program Officer
mhallett@McCormickFoundation.org
312.445.5035

Mark Hallett is a senior program officer in the journalism program of the McCormick Foundation. Mark joined the foundation in May 1995, and coordinates grantmaking in a number of areas, including youth journalism, press freedoms, diversity in journalism, and First Amendment initiatives.

Prior to joining the McCormick Foundation, he was an editor at Safety + Health magazine, where he launched an international edition and researched, assigned and wrote stories on workplace safety and environmental issues. He is an avid photographer and has lived in Mexico, Norway and Spain.

Mark serves on the board of directors of the Erie Elementary Charter School.

Jennifer Choi, Program Officer
jchoi@McCormickFoundation.org
312.445.5038

Jennifer Choi is a program officer for McCormick Foundation’s Journalism Program. Jennifer joined the Foundation in 2012, and guides grantmaking in community-based news literacy, youth media and journalism training. She also monitors the changing landscape of journalism, from innovative approaches to producing and sharing content, to evaluating the social impact of journalism on civic engagement.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Jennifer served as Chicago Public Media/WBEZ’s director of institutional initiatives. She has also held staff positions with the Illinois College of Optometry, Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago and Korean American Women in Need (KAN-WIN). Jennifer began her career as an English Literature and Composition teacher at Wheeling High School.

Jennifer participates in the Chicago Women in Philanthropy’s mentorship program. She also serves as grantmaking co-chair for the Asian Giving Circle, a donor advised subsidiary of the Chicago Community Trust.

Aaron Smith, Administrative Officer, General Fund
asmith@McCormickFoundation.org
312.445.5063

Aaron Smith joined McCormick Foundation in November 2000. As administrative officer, Aaron manages the grant making processes for the general fund, which encompasses the journalism, education and citizenship programs. Among other duties, he is responsible for scheduling payments, editing reports and correspondence, maintaining files, conducting technical training when necessary and coordinating internal and external events.

Aaron has a background in broadcasting and corporate communications. He also worked in the legal department of a major U.S. electronics company.