Stephen Rynkiewicz

Stephen Rynkiewicz did not invent the internet but has always been reinventing it. Purpose Brand’s content marketing director is a unicorn: an innovative storyteller across online, print and broadcast disciplines; a “full stack” developer solving the mysteries of web servers and content management; and a change agent for corporate and nonprofit organizations.

In the early days of the Chicago Tribune website, Steve recast real estate listings as the neighborhood data hub that Trulia and Zillow later would emulate. The former Chicago Sun-Times reporter went on to found the Trib’s breaking business news desk; present financial reports on CLTV; produce census, crime and school databases; implement Tribune Newspapers’ online-first publishing system; and expand the media chain’s e-commerce capacity.

Steve’s curiosity and analytical skill led him to break out of B2B and B2C content roles to advocate new products, refine operational processes and develop technical solutions. Steve redesigned the American Bar Association’s flagship online magazine, launched the Rivet Smart Audio podcast app, consulted on thought leadership for PwC’s technology, media and telecom group and illuminated community wellness risks with the Chicago Health Atlas. He was also an editing instructor at Columbia College Chicago and a journalist fellow with the News Literacy Project.

Peer awards and speaking engagements validate Steve’s creativity and invention. He has earned the prestigious Sigma Delta Chi journalism award, multiple writing and design honors in the Peter Lisagor Awards and accolades from the American Society of Business Publication Editors, Association for Women in Communications, Editor & Publisher, National Association of Real Estate Editors, Newspaper Association of America and Online News Association. The University of Wisconsin graduate served as a national officer of the Society of Professional Journalists and has presented at workshops of the Interaction Design Association and Journalism Education Association.

With his wife, Brenda G. Russell, Steve lives in Chicago’s West Town community. A longtime director of the East Village Association, he pursues interests in education, preservation, public safety and urban planning and avoids his next home improvement project.