The Inland Press Foundation has named Patty Slusher, a longtime association executive, the winner of the 2024 Inland Foundation Distinguished Service Award.
Slusher received the award at the annual meeting of America’s Newspapers on Oct. 21st in Charleston, South Carolina. This is the 33rd year that the award has been presented.
The award honors her contributions to the newspaper industry and her longstanding dedication to advancing media leadership and education.
Joyce McCullough, outgoing president of the Inland Press Foundation, said “Patty’s knowledge of newspapers, Inland and now America’s Newspapers, are matched only by her kindness and positivity.” McCullough added, “She’s been a beacon of light at a time when others speak of doom. I can think of no one more deserving of this award.”
Starting in the newspaper industry in 1984 with The Saginaw News, she excelled as a top sales executive. She later joined the Inland Press Association and where she served as program director. She is now director of membership at America’s Newspapers.
Tom Yunt, a former Inland director and newspaper executive, said this about Patty: “Patty Slusher was the face of The Inland Press Association, and was the go-to staffer there. She lived the brand, and works tirelessly.” Yunt finished saying, “I'm proud and honored to call her one of my best industry friends. Patty, I'm so proud of you. Kudos to you.”
During her tenure at Inland, Slusher expanded the organization’s programming from seven annual conferences to 32. She developed key initiatives such as the Family and Independent Owners Conference, now a cornerstone for multi-generational leadership in the newspaper industry. She helped to pioneer new training formats, introducing webinars to reach thousands of media professionals across the country. Slusher also helped to develop the annual Mega-Conference, creating one of the premier events for media executives.
Camille Olson, a partner at Seyfarth Shaw, and a director of America’s Newspapers, said this: “It is a privilege to recognize someone as unique and extraordinary as Patty Slusher. There is simply no stronger supporter of local newspapers — including specifically America’s Newspapers’ members and previously, Inland Press Association’s members and the missions of these organizations. Patty’s contributions, service and dedication to our members is far-reaching. Supporters of local journalism owe a deep gratitude to Patty who works tirelessly and expertly to provide newspapers with the resources, connections and information to enable them to continue to serve their communities as a free, strong, and responsible press.”
Slusher, and her husband Jim have been married for 37 years, and live in Mount Prospect, a Chicago suburb. They have three sons and remain active in their community.
