I’m C.J.
Director of Graphics & Data Visuals
The Minnesota Star Tribune
My career has taken me through nearly every corner of the newsroom — reporting, digital production, audience engagement, video and audio — before landing in data and graphics journalism, where I've spent the last several years finding award-winning visual solutions for explaining tricky topics. I now lead a team of journalists and manage the workflows, platforms, and editorial vision that bring that work to life across every platform we publish on.
That winding path has shaped how I think about this work: not just as storytelling, but as strategy. I'm a servant leader who believes my job is to clear obstacles, equip people with what they need, and invest in their growth. I care deeply about the systems, standards, and relationships that make great work possible.
Recent edits
CLIMATE A year ago, Bemidji lost millions of trees to a derecho. It's now at high risk for wildfires. ● gift link
POLITICS Kendall Qualls’ running mate was on Capitol grounds during Jan. 6 attack ● gift link
IMMIGRATION Deportation orders are soaring as judges face pressure to quickly deny claims ● gift link
ECONOMY High gas prices force Minnesotans to rethink the commute ● gift link
HEALTH In this small Minnesota city, less than half of kindergartners are vaccinated for measles ● gift link
FILM Film fest at 40 showcases the best in world and indie cinema ● gift link
ENVIRONMENT It’s foxes vs. coyotes in a backyard battle for survival ● gift link
SPORTS Quinn Hughes isn’t just scoring, he’s making the Wild better ● gift link
IMMIGRATION As ICE draws down in Minnesota, data illustrates intensity of its surge here ● gift link
OLYMPICS Five mountains (and one notable hill) that define Lindsey Vonn’s career and comeback ● gift link
IMMIGRATION How immigration detainees are moved around Minnesota and the nation ● gift link
IMMIGRATION Homeland Security presence in Minnesota dwarfs Twin Cities’ largest police forces ● gift link
HEALTH Minnesota now has one of the nation’s lowest kindergarten measles vaccination rates ● gift link
More ⇒
Experience
The Minnesota Star Tribune
Director of Graphics & Data Visuals ● 2021 - current
Data Visuals Editor ● 2019
Digital Graphics Producer ● 2018
Digital Producer ● 2014
University of Minnesota
Adjunct Instructor ● 2014 - 2022
St. Paul Pioneer Press
Multimedia Producer ● 2012 - 2014
Bismarck Tribune
Online Producer ● 2010 - 2011