Kris Leonhardt

Inspired by the stories her grandmother told her while growing up, Kris Leonhardt has been chronicling North American history since she was a junior in high school.

Leonhardt attended Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin while pursuing a communications degree. She also served in the United States Army, receiving an honorable discharge in 1997.

She began a part-time journalism career in 2001, while working in a family business, and moved to a full-time position in 2006. She now works as senior editor at Multi Media Channels (MMC), owner of more than 30 print publications, including 22 weeklies and 17 digital channels that serve the central, northern, and eastern regions of Wisconsin.

Leonhardt is also a director with the “Pass it Forward” community journalism internship initiative developed through a partnership with the Green Bay Packers Give Back, Nicolet National Bank, UW-Green Bay and St. Norbert College, where she helps guide aspiring young writers and journalists.