Hi, I’m
Peter B. Kantuszak
Writer and Editor
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic Executive Editor and Writer with a proven track record at the Chicago Tribune, excelling in content strategy and executive communication. Adept at crafting compelling narratives and policy initiatives, I leverage strong research skills and effective collaboration to elevate public engagement and drive impactful media outreach. Passionate about storytelling and innovative publishing in both print and digital spaces.
Overview
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Caustic MaterialsChicago, IL
Executive Editor and Writer
01.2023 - Current
Job overview
- Personal publishing moniker founded for maintaining professional media work and contract writing projects;
- Freelance business writing and executive communications; and
- Community reporting and new media publishing incubator.
ToptalChicago, IL
Senior Writer for Business
01.2021 - 01.2023
Job overview
- Develop and report feature articles for Toptal Insights, an online C-suite business intelligence magazine focused the future of work and the talent economy;
- Serve as a writing coach and editor for vertical blog articles written by technical experts from the Toptal talent network; and
- Write executive articles on behalf of CEO and other leaders for publication, facilitate strategic discussions and editorial direction through regular content meetings.
Illinois Office of the ComptrollerChicago, IL
Policy Advisor
01.2020 - 01.2021
Job overview
- Provided expert analysis of Illinois state government financial issues, crafting compelling policy initiatives to improve the effectiveness and public awareness of the office;
- Elevated and assisted with communications outreach to media, speech writing and other forward facing initiatives; and
- Advised the principal elected official on critical issues regarding federal assistance for pandemic relief and coordination with other office holders, civic leaders and business interests.
Chicago City TreasurerChicago, IL
Director of Public Affairs
01.2018 - 01.2019
Job overview
- Directed outreach and engagements with government officials, media, investors and residents to provide a clear and transparent understanding of policy initiatives including legislative proposals and investment strategies;
- Worked as part of the executive leadership team to develop strategic communications plan to raise the public profile of the office and build support for its ongoing operational missions; and
- Managed both internal and external communications, crisis communications, website content and social media presence.
Raoul for IllinoisChicago, IL
Press Secretary
01.2018 - 12.2018
Job overview
- Managed all media relations and social media content strategy for State Senator Kwame Raoul’s successful statewide campaign for the Democratic nomination for Attorney General of Illinois;
- Planned and executed campaign events by coordinating with supporters and validators including labor unions, elected officials and civic leaders throughout the state of Illinois; and
- Wrote speeches and statements on behalf of the candidate, performed daily media review and outreach to place earned media throughout the state.
The Chicago TribuneChicago, IL
Investigative Reporter
01.2016 - 01.2017
Job overview
- Covered government finance for local and state news coverage, reporting on complex issues such as tax policy, public sector pensions, municipal debt and high level fiscal analysis; and
- Published long-form investigations using FOIA, data analysis and source development in government and the private sector to uncover unique and critical stories.
The Civic FederationChicago, IL
Senior Policy Analyst
01.2008 - 12.2016
Job overview
- Developed policy recommendations and conducted research on the state’s operating and capital budgets for the Institute for Illinois’ Fiscal Sustainability funded by the MacArthur Foundation;
- Served as the subject matter expert to the president and board of directors for capital infrastructure, transportation funding and municipal debt issues by preparing long-form research papers, position statements, speeches, talking points, issue briefs and weekly blog posts; and
- Established the Civic Federation’s positions on state and local government policy issues and promoted actionable recommendations to elected officials, media and the public.
Los Angeles Daily JournalLos Angeles, CA
Staff Writer
01.2007 - 01.2008
Job overview
- Provided daily news coverage of legal affairs and the business of law, feature writing, long-term story development and profile writing of judicial officers; and
- Reported on a variety of beats including land use, real estate, corporate counsel, Los Angeles City Attorney and Los Angeles City Council.
LA Newspaper Group/MediaNewsManhattan Beach, CA
Reporter
01.2006 - 01.2007
Job overview
- Wrote and edited five to seven articles on a weekly deadline covering city government, public safety, school districts and other community news; and
- Reported on a city beat including attending city council meetings, school board meetings and various committees.
ESPNBristol, CT
Production Assistant
01.2005 - 12.2005
Job overview
- Produced sporting event highlights for suite of cable broadcast sports news and entertainment programming; and
- Assisted in all aspects of a 24-hour newsroom operations, including daily editorial planning process, live event coverage, research and archival duties.
Education
Northwestern UniversityEvanston, IL
Bachelor of Science from General Studies, Political Science/Journalism
01.2005
University Overview
- Member of Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society
- Dean’s list 5 semesters
- GPA: 3.789
Skills
- AP Style and Chicago Manual of Style
- Editorial management
- Content strategy and development
- Policy writing
- Executive communication
- Digital publishing and media relations
- Public affairs and audience engagement
- Crisis communication and problem solving
- Creative writing and storytelling
- Research skills
- Effective communication and team collaboration
- SEO strategies
- Budgeting and deadline management
- Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Publisher and WordPress
- Slack and Quark software
- DTI editorial software, InDesign, InCopy, HTML, SquareSpace, ENPS, Quintel Digital Video Editor, Wondershare Filmora, audio and video editing software
Previous Name
Matuszak
Awards Memberships
- Ravitch Fiscal Reporting Fellow, CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, 2017
- Certificate of Merit, Most Effective Education, Government Research Association, 2012
- Winner, Most Outstanding Research, Government Research Association, 2010
- Finalist Best Business/Financial Story, California Newspaper Association Better Newspaper Contest, 2008
- Member, Chicago Municipal Bond Club/Graduate of Municipal Bond School
Timeline
Executive Editor and Writer
Caustic Materials
01.2023 - Current
Senior Writer for Business
Toptal
01.2021 - 01.2023
Policy Advisor
Illinois Office of the Comptroller
01.2020 - 01.2021
Director of Public Affairs
Chicago City Treasurer
01.2018 - 01.2019
Press Secretary
Raoul for Illinois
01.2018 - 12.2018
Investigative Reporter
The Chicago Tribune
01.2016 - 01.2017
Senior Policy Analyst
The Civic Federation
01.2008 - 12.2016
Staff Writer
Los Angeles Daily Journal
01.2007 - 01.2008
Reporter
LA Newspaper Group/MediaNews
01.2006 - 01.2007
Production Assistant
ESPN
01.2005 - 12.2005
Northwestern University
Bachelor of Science from General Studies, Political Science/Journalism