Michael E. Bennett, 55, is an independent consultant working in the fields of strategic communication, fund-raising and nonprofit organizations.

He previously was publisher and editor of the Cleveland Jewish News, which also produces specialty magazines, digital products and events. He served as executive director of the CJN Foundation, a non-profit affiliate of the CJN that supports an archive project, educational activities and an internship program.

Prior to the CJN, Bennett worked as director of marketing and communications at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, where he also served as director of its annual fund-raising campaign. He began his professional career in journalism at daily newspapers in Indiana before being named features editor of The Plain Dealer in Cleveland.

In 2013, he was elected President of The Press Club of Cleveland. He is a 2009 graduate of the Leadership Cleveland civic engagement program, and active in other community organizations.

He holds a bachelor's degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.  Bennett grew up in Beachwood, Ohio, and now lives with his wife and two children in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.