Our team.
Liz Kelly Nelson
FOUNDER | Liz Kelly Nelson is a leader in journalism innovation, dedicated to helping independent journalists and media creators build sustainable careers in a rapidly evolving media landscape. With a background in newsroom leadership, digital media strategy and creator economy expertise, Liz has worked across the journalism ecosystem—supporting reporters, advising media startups and collaborating with major institutions on the future of independent journalism. As the founder of Project C, a concept she developed during her 2024 Sulzberger Fellowship at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, she is focused on empowering journalists to embrace new models, find sustainable revenue, and create impactful work outside of traditional media structures. Prior to Project C, Liz led teams at Vox, USA Today, Gannett, AOL.
Liz sits on the advisory board for the Beehiiv Media Collective.
blair HIckman
CONTRIBUTING STRATEGIST | Blair supports Project C’s research, programs and consulting work. She brings deep experience in editorial strategy, newsroom innovation and designing systems that help independent journalists thrive. She is also a co-creator of the Going Solo workshop, which helps journalists build sustainable independent careers. Blair consults with media companies and independent creators and is currently a fellow in the Sulzberger Executive Leadership Program at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.
What People Are Saying
“Liz brings an insightful blend of perspectives to her work — she’s a news industry insider and pragmatist, and she’s also an optimistic, curious explorer. As journalists grapple with a changing ecosystem, we need people to build maps of where we’re going and help us see both obstacle and potential. Liz is one of those people,”
— Joy mayer, trusting news
“Liz has a deep expertise both as a reporter and as a news executive but she also sees this media creator landscape with fresh eyes and she's able to help legacy media alum make the leap, whether they want to become a creator or embrace them from the newsroom side.”