Jim Ylisela

Jim Ylisela is a veteran journalist, communications consultant, and educator with over four decades of experience in investigative reporting, storytelling, and organizational communications. As co-owner and senior partner of Ragan Consulting Group, Jim helps organizations elevate their internal and external communication strategies, specializing in brand journalism, storytelling, employee engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. His collaborative efforts have transformed how companies connect with their audiences, ensuring impactful messaging and meaningful engagement.

Before founding Ragan Consulting Group in 2016 with Mark Ragan, Jim served as President of Duff Media Partners, providing journalistic services, consulting, and training to organizations across industries. He has also been a longtime contributing writer for Chicago Magazine and other notable publications, where his investigative reporting earned him accolades for covering topics ranging from political scandals to social justice issues.

A passionate educator, Jim spent 13 years as a senior lecturer at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, teaching investigative journalism, urban reporting, and co-directing the Chicago Medill News Service. He also served as consulting editor and acting publisher of The Chicago Reporter, further cementing his reputation as a champion of compelling, impactful storytelling.

In addition to his journalistic pursuits, Jim co-created Write & Rewrite, a workshop and training initiative alongside Steve Crescenzo, offering practical guidance in writing, editing, social media, and storytelling for internal and external communication teams. His ability to combine journalistic rigor with innovative communication techniques has made him a sought-after consultant and trainer.

Jim's dedication to his craft and his clients is matched by his belief in the power of stories to inspire, inform, and create change. Whether guiding a newsroom, consulting for global organizations, or teaching the next generation of journalists, Jim continues to shape the world of communication with expertise, creativity, and an unrelenting commitment to excellence.