Patty Slusher receives 2024 Inland Foundation Distinguished Service Award

The Inland Press Foundation has named Patty Slusher, a longtime association executive, the winner of the 2024 Inland Foundation Distinguished Service Award.

Slusher received the award at the annual meeting of America’s Newspapers on Monday in Charleston, South Carolina. This is the 33rd year of the award, which honors Slusher’s contributions to the newspaper industry and her long-standing dedication to advancing media leadership and education, according to a press release.

“Patty’s knowledge of newspapers, Inland and now America’s Newspapers are matched only by her kindness and positivity,” said Joyce McCullough, outgoing president of the Inland Press Foundation. “She’s been a beacon of light at a time when others speak of doom. I can think of no one more deserving of this award.”

Starting in the newspaper industry in 1984 with The Saginaw News, Slusher excelled as a top sales executive. She later joined the Inland Press Association, where she served as program director. She now is director of membership at America’s Newspapers.

“Patty Slusher was the face of The Inland Press Association, and was the go-to staffer there,” said Tom Yunt, a former Inland director and newspaper executive. “She lived the brand, and works tirelessly. I'm proud and honored to call her one of my best industry friends.”

During her tenure at Inland, Slusher expanded the organization’s programming from seven annual conferences to 32. She developed key initiatives such as the Family and Independent Owners Conference, now a cornerstone for multigenerational leadership in the newspaper industry. She helped pioneer new training formats, introducing webinars to reach thousands of media professionals nationwide. Slusher also helped develop the annual Mega-Conference, creating one of the premier events for media executives.

“There is simply no stronger supporter of local newspapers — including specifically America’s Newspapers’ members and previously, Inland Press Association’s members and the missions of these organizations,” said Camille Olson, a partner at Seyfarth Shaw and a director of America’s Newspapers. “Patty’s contributions, service and dedication to our members is far-reaching. Supporters of local journalism owe a deep gratitude to Patty who works tirelessly and expertly to provide newspapers with the resources, connections and information to enable them to continue to serve their communities as a free, strong, and responsible press.”

Slusher, and her husband, Jim, have been married for 37 years, and live in Mount Prospect. They have three sons and are active in their community. Jim Slusher is managing editor for opinion at the Daily Herald.