Who is project C?
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 and is a 2025-2026 Terker Fellow at George Washington University’s School of Media and Communications.
A Coalition for Creator Journalism
Meet the people helping to shape Project C – and the future of journalism.
Project C has always been a little unconventional. From the beginning, it wasn’t about building a newsroom, a nonprofit, or even a traditional company. It’s also not purely a consultancy, training company or media brand in its own right. Project C is fostering an ecosystem – a place where creator-model journalists can find each other, learn from each other, and thrive. We are united by a mission to help our beloved journalism industry better understand and support this exciting segment of the future of news and information.
That’s why much of the work we do is built across the industry – with individuals and organizations.
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Blair Hickman
CONTRIBUTING STRATEGIST
Blair, a former Vox exec who runs her own consultancy, works with Project C on a variety of strategic projects, including our growing training and coaching practice.
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Christabel Nsiah-Buadi
ADVISOR/THOUGHT PARTNER
With her deep experience in podcasting and project development, Christabel is joining the coalition to deepen our practice for audio makers seeking independent paths.
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JUSTIN BANK
ADVISOR/THOUGHT PARTNER
Justin Bank is a frequent contributor to the Project C newsletter and has partnered with Project C on foundational work with the Top 50 list and News Ecosystem map.
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Lex roman
ADVISOR/THOUGHT PARTNER
In 2025, Lex and Liz teamed up to launch the Project C membership community and got newsletter married when they merged their two titles.
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Ryan Kellett
ADVISOR/THOUGHT PARTNER
From the News Ecosystem Map to the Top 50 to Going Solo, ONA board member and 2024-2025 Harvard Nieman-Berkman Fellow Ryan Kellett is a frequent partner is some of Project C’s most ambitious work.
