Jeanne Brooks, a former staff member at the Online News Association whose contributions propelled the organization’s early growth and success, driving innovation at the intersection of journalism and tech, passed away on Jan. 5, 2025.
She was part of the ONA team from 2009–2013, serving first as the community engagement manager and then as digital director. “Her role was to identify and engage our growing community, which was widespread, diverse and, for the most part, unconnected,” recalled Jane McDonnell, ONA’s executive director from 2008–2017. “I thought engagement was her sweet spot (and it was), but it was only one of many.”
