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- calendar_today November 12, 2026
Bridge Michigan Announces New Deputy Editor for West Michigan
Bridge Michigan has expanded its newsroom with the hiring of Theresa Coty O’Neil as deputy editor for west Michigan. The appointment shows the nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom’s commitment to strengthening local reporting and regional coverage throughout the area.
Coty O’Neil’s Role: Overseeing Regional Coverage and Collaborations
In this newly established position, Coty O’Neil will oversee Bridge Michigan’s west Michigan coverage. She will be responsible for helping manage the West Michigan Journalism Collaborative, a new initiative that brings together multiple news outlets to deliver in-depth reporting for readers in the region.
Leadership in Journalism Collaborative Efforts
Alongside managing daily news coverage, Coty O’Neil will author the Bridge Michigan: Western Edition newsletter and represent the newsroom in the Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative. These roles are designed to foster stronger ties between regional news outlets and provide improved journalism for local communities.
A Growing, Independent Newsroom
Coty O’Neil’s hiring is part of a period of growth for Bridge Michigan, whose staff has more than tripled in the past decade and now numbers 22 journalists. CEO Katy Locker of The Center for Michigan, which publishes Bridge Michigan and BridgeDetroit, emphasized that the newsroom’s ongoing expansion reinforces its commitment to providing diverse and comprehensive coverage across west Michigan.
Locker stated, “We are delighted to welcome Theresa aboard to deepen our commitment to a region as diverse and important as west Michigan. She has deep roots, understanding and connections in this dynamic area that will benefit Bridge and its readers.”
Team Growth and Experienced Leadership
Coty O’Neil will collaborate with Regional Editor Justin Hinkley, who began in February 2025 to direct coverage for north and west Michigan. This addition followed the hiring of Laura Herberg as Outdoors Life reporter, and further newsroom growth has included Kim Kozlowski as senior education reporter and Eli Newman as a second health reporter.
Coty O’Neil’s Background and Experience
A longtime journalist and editor, Coty O’Neil comes to Bridge Michigan from Second Wave Media, where she served as managing editor covering Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and neighboring communities. Her career includes extensive experience in journalism, teaching, and newsroom leadership. Originally from Grand Rapids and raised in Flint, Coty O’Neil currently resides in Kalamazoo with her husband, dog, pond goldfish, and fruit trees, and is the mother of three grown children. She expressed enthusiasm for her new role: “I’m excited to join Bridge and be a part of a newsroom that values thoughtful, in-depth reporting on issues that matter to people across Michigan.”
Sponsorship and Support for Independent Journalism
Bridge Michigan: Western Edition is supported by its sponsors, who enable the newsroom’s independent, fact-driven journalism. Additional information about the organization and opportunities to subscribe or sponsor can be found on the About page.
Source: bridgemi.com.
