Jess Starr joins the Freshwater Cleveland team with nearly two decades of experience working in the media and communications fields, and a passion for telling good news stories.
Starr spent years in Erie, Pennsylvania as senior news reporter for the television stations ABC affiliate JET24 and FOX66. She covered general assignment news and beat reporting for Millcreek Township, turning up to six stories daily.
Prior to reporting, Starr spent six years at WKYC-TV3 in Cleveland, working in both production and news. While at Channel 3, she was the supervising floor director and a fill-in producer. She was in charge of the studio while on-air, and also field produced for many of Channel 3's specials.
Most recently, Starr proudly spent the past eight years as director of communications at Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (LMM), an advocacy and social services nonprofit in Cleveland, where she led the external communications for the agency.
A native Clevelander, she attended college at Kent State University and has a BA in public communication with a focus in mass media.
Starr lives in North Ridgeville with her husband Dan, and three-year-old daughter, Layla.
Behind the scenes: Two Cleveland Museum of Art docents bring ‘Picasso and Paper’ to life
Jess StarrWednesday, March 12, 2025
Cleveland Museum of Art's "Picasso and Paper" exhibit, is here for only two more weeks. The exhibit showcases nearly 300 works spanning Picasso's career and his exploration of paper as a medium. CMA docents Bob Cohen and Nancy Wilhelm offer insight into the exhibit's significance, the artist's creative process, and the personal connections that make art come alive for visitors.
Driving change: The winners of Accelerate civic pitch competition
Jess StarrThursday, February 27, 2025
The 11th annual Accelerate: Citizens Make Change civic pitch competition drew 32 aspiring entrepreneurs to pitch 24 innovative initiatives in categories like social change, climate innovation, and education. Top honors went to teenage brothers who created a youth employment program for neighborhood services.
Too Young for Cancer: Author inspires audience at The Gathering Place
Jess StarrWednesday, December 11, 2024
Katie Coleman, a young cancer survivor, shares her inspiring story of battling a rare kidney cancer at age 29 in her book, "Too Young for Cancer," which chronicles her journey and emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. Coleman shared her story an audience of young adults with cancer at The Gathering Place last month.
Standing Watch: Lone Sailor Statue unveiled at new home in Voinovich Park
Jess StarrWednesday, October 16, 2024
Last weekend, the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation unveiled the Lone Sailor Statue at its permanent home at Voinovich Bicentennial Park. The statue celebrates the upcoming commissioning of the USS Cleveland and represents those who served in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines.
Literary journey: Connie Schultz debuts first children’s book to rapt young audience at CCPL
Jess StarrThursday, August 22, 2024
FreshWater exclusive: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and
author Connie Schultz captivated a packed audience at the Cuyahoga County
Public Library’s Parma-Snow branch last Saturday with a reading of her first
children’s book, "Lola and the Troll." Schultz talked with
FreshWater's Jess Starr about how her grandchildren inspired her venture into
picture books, and the lessons on kindness and bravery learned.
Local 74-year-old wins gold medal at Pan-American Masters Games
Jess StarrWednesday, July 31, 2024
George Zehnder, 74, a retired pastor with St. Mark Lutheran Church, recently won the gold medal in the triathlon during the Pan-American Masters Games in Cleveland. He credits his classes at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, determination, and his faith for his victory.
.jpg?s=lf)
