FreshWater editor Karin Rice named to Crain’s Notable Leaders in Communications list

per_4963.jpgBob Perkoski


Crain’s Cleveland Business” announced its 2024 Notable Leaders in Communications yesterday, Monday, Dec. 9—a list of 24 Northeast Ohio communicators who were nominated for the honor, and subsequently chosen by Crain’s editors for the list.

FreshWater Cleveland managing editor Karin Connelly Rice was among the 24 professionals named for her contributions to FreshWater Cleveland’s success through her management of marketing initiatives, building brand awareness, securing sponsorships, and overseeing editorial content.

Crain’s recognition highlights Rice’s contributions to the field of journalism and her commitment to showcasing the positive stories and changemakers in Cleveland and its surrounding communities.

To qualify for Crain’s Notable Leaders in Communication, nominees must have at least five years industry experience; Make an impact through their roles and have the power to effect change; make significant contributions within the industry or community; and assume leadership positions outside of their own organizations.

Rice, who has a 30-year career in journalism and public relations, joined FreshWater in 2011 as a reporter and served as senior new editor, interim managing editor, and managing editor before taking over ownership of the publication in January 2023. Prior to joining FreshWater, Rice worked for The “Amherst News-Times,” the former “In the Neighborhood,” the “Lorain Morning Journal,” Great Lakes Publishing, and the former Haselow Marketing Communications.

Rice is a member of Lion Publishers, the Press Club of Cleveland, and was a member of the former Northeast Ohio Solutions Journalism Collaborative (NEO SOJO) and the 2016 Republican National Convention Host Committee’s Content Committee. She has volunteered at Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry’s 2100 Lakeside Men’s Shelter.

Under Rice’s leadership, FreshWater Cleveland has thrived as a solutions-focused publication, shedding light on the people and organizations driving meaningful change in the region. Over the past two years, the FreshWater Cleveland team has earned 11 awards in the Press Club's All Ohio Excellence in Journalism Awards.

“I am honored to be recognized by Crain’s as a Notable Leader in Communications,” says Rice. “This award reflects the incredible work of the entire FreshWater Cleveland team and our shared passion for telling the stories that matter most to our community. I am inspired daily by the people and organizations that make Cleveland such a vibrant and resilient city.”

Rebecca Cahill
Rebecca Cahill

About the Author: Rebecca Cahill

Rebecca Cahill is a freelance writer who is thrilled to contribute to FreshWater Cleveland, sharing the stories of the people and places that make our fine Forest City flourish and grow.