Clark Bell, Program Director
clarkbell@McCormickFoundation.org
312.445.5023

Clark Bell is the McCormick Foundation's Journalism Program director. Clark, who joined the foundation in October 2005, oversees journalism grant-making initiatives and shapes the program's focus on critical issues facing the news media. He manages an annual grantmaking budget of nearly $6 million.

Clark is a veteran reporter, editor, publisher and communications consultant.  His extensive journalistic background includes serving as publisher of Modern Physician magazine, editor and associate publisher of Modern Healthcare magazine, executive business editor of the Dallas Times Herald and business columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times.

Mark Hallett, Senior Program Officer
mhallett@McCormickFoundation.org
312.445.5035

Mark Hallett is a senior program officer in the journalism program of the McCormick Foundation. Mark joined the foundation in May 1995, and coordinates grantmaking in a number of areas, including youth journalism, press freedoms, diversity in journalism, and First Amendment initiatives.

Prior to joining the McCormick Foundation, he was an editor at Safety + Health magazine, where he launched an international edition and researched, assigned and wrote stories on workplace safety and environmental issues. He is an avid photographer and has lived in Mexico, Norway and Spain.

Mark serves on the board of directors of the Erie Elementary Charter School.

Janet Liao, Program Officer
jliao@McCormickFoundation.org
312.445.5038

Janet Liao is a program officer in the journalism program of the McCormick Foundation. Janet joined the Foundation in 2009, and assists grantees with project implementation and monitoring and solicits and evaluates new journalism grant proposals. She guides grantmaking in youth media, digital journalism and journalism training.

Prior to joining the McCormick Foundation, Janet worked at a publishing firm as editor and project manager of customized media projects, including magazines, advertorials, webcasts and online videos for Fortune 500 companies and associations.

Janet serves on the board for Chicago Women in Philanthropy and Youth Media Reporter.

Aaron Smith, Administrative Officer, General Fund
asmith@McCormickFoundation.org
312.445.5063

Aaron Smith joined McCormick Foundation in November 2000. As administrative officer, Aaron manages the grant making processes for the general fund, which encompasses the journalism, education and citizenship programs. Among other duties, he is responsible for scheduling payments, editing reports and correspondence, maintaining files, conducting technical training when necessary and coordinating internal and external events.

Aaron has a background in broadcasting and corporate communications. He also worked in the legal department of a major U.S. electronics company.