Former Phoenix Biz Journal editor Lowery joins Common Sense Media

Former Phoenix Business Journal editor Ilana Lowery has been hired by Common Sense Media as its Arizona director, responsible for driving a strategic effort to build its presence, philanthropic base, and strategic partnerships throughout the state.

In August, Common Sense Media partnered with the Arizona Community Foundation, the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, and the Phoenix IDA on a statewide digital well-being initiative.

“We believe Common Sense Media has chosen an extremely capable and entrepreneurial leader to launch in Arizona,” said Steve Seleznow, president and CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation, in a statement. “Ilana’s media and journalism background, combined with her history of supporting and drawing attention to community issues and needs across both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, provide the organization with considerable depth and insight.

A 30-year media veteran, Lowery is the former editor-in-chief of the Business Journal, where she served in that position for 15 years. Prior to her role as chief editor, the Chicago native also served as managing editor for six years. She started there in 1995 as a reporter and projects editor for a total of 23 years at the publication.

As a reporter she covered banking and finance, education, nonprofits, and economic development. Prior to the Business Journal, Lowery was an editor for Independent Newspapers Inc., a community newspaper chain based in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Before moving to the Phoenix area in 1989, she served as a reporter and editor for Pulitzer Newspapers in Chicago. An award-winning journalist, she also worked for the NBC TV affiliate in Chicago.