Leadership
Scott Lewis, CEO/Editor in Chief
Scott makes sure the journalists have jobs and that the editors get what they need to provide San Diegans with the best journalism possible. He also co-hosts the most popular public affairs podcast recorded in downtown San Diego (the Voice of San Diego Podcast) and collaborates on the weekly Politics Report along with his own occasional investigative reporting and analysis.
Email: scott.lewis@voiceofsandiego.org
X: @vosdscott
Facebook: scottmlewis
Julianne Markow, Chief Operating Officer
I manage the business side of Voice, ensuring that the organization has the resources and support structures necessary for continued growth and success. With more than 30 years of corporate and not-for-profit management experience to the organization, I believe in the power of Voice to make San Diego a better place.
In my free time I love hiking with my husband in San Diego’s mountains and deserts, surfing with friends (dawn patrol at Tourmo and Cardiff!), visiting the museums in Balboa Park, and shopping at the Hillcrest Farmers Market.
Email: julianne@voiceofsandiego.org
Phone: (619) 550-5673
Andrea Sanchez-Villafaña, Managing Editor
I oversee the production of stories and newsletters for Voice of San Diego. I manage our team of reporters and contributors. I’m a co-host on the VOSD Podcast and author of the newsletter Cup of Chisme, which provide readers a weekly roundup of our reporting and behind-the-scenes stories.
I’m passionate about holding leaders accountable and empowering community members with information about their government. I welcome conversations about our reporting.
When I’m not busy being a girl boss, I’m taking care of my five dogs, five chickens and horse.
Email: andrea.lopez@voiceofsandiego.org
Phone: (619) 325-0526
X: @andrealopezvil
Staff
Mariana Martínez Barba, City Hall Reporter
I’m Voice’s City Hall reporter where I closely follow San Diego City Council, the mayor’s office, and city departments. I want to understand how local policy decisions impact residents. Through my reporting, I want to promote transparency and accountability of San Diego city government.
I’m also a Report for America corps member, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms across the country.
Email: mariana.martinez@voiceofsandiego.org
X: @marianamtzbarba
Sofia Cohen, Development Associate
I help support Voice members, collaborate with community partners, and plan engaging events to advance the work of Voice of San Diego. I welcome questions and inquiries about membership, advertising, or events with Voice.
When I’m away from my desk, you may find me walking my rambunctious dog, creating silly art, or rehearsing ukulele solos.
Email: sofia.cohen@voiceofsandiego.org
Phone: (619) 255-1486
Erica Connell, Director of Philanthropy
I help connect reader’s philanthropic interests with the work we do at Voice of San Diego. As Director of Philanthropy, I oversee major giving, membership, and development planning for our organization. But my favorite part of my job is the conversations I have with readers and donors who are passionate about our work and our community. Feel free to reach out to have a conversation about how you can further the outstanding work of Voice.
Away from work, I love taking advantage of San Diego’s year-round growing conditions and spend as much time as I can in the garden with my daughter and husband.
Email: erica.connell@voiceofsandiego.org
Phone: (619) 550-5670
MacKenzie Elmer, Reporter
I cover the deluge of environmental drama in San Diego County including, but not limited to, energy and water affordability, the Colorado River and the cross-border sewage crisis on the Tijuana River.
San Diego fact about me: I placed third in the San Diego Library Shop’s 2019 Matchbook Story Contest.
Email: mackenzie.elmer@voiceofsandiego.org
Phone: (515) 229-8589
X: @mckelmer
Instagram: @journomack
Read MacKenzie Elmer’s latest stories here.
Paris Giles, Digital Product Manager
I manage and develop products that deliver important, groundbreaking Voice of San Diego content to the San Diego community. With more than 15 years of experience in UX/UI design and digital marketing, I’m passionate about creating great user experiences and helping deepen community engagement.
As a Northwest native, I came to San Diego for the sunshine and never looked back. I love the weather, the energy, and the community. Whenever I miss Seattle, one look at the forecast reminds me why I’m here to stay.
Lisa Halverstadt, Senior Investigative Reporter
I cover San Diego County government with focuses on accountability, behavioral health, housing and homelessness. I’ve spent years digging into everything from San Diego’s homelessness crisis to city real estate debacles. I’ve been reporting for Voice since 2012.
I worked with reporters across the country to create a guide to homelessness reporting and previously served as president of the San Diego Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Email: lisa.halverstadt@voiceofsandiego.org
Phone: (619) 325-0528
X: @LisaHalverstadt
Jim Hinch, Reporter
I cover South San Diego County, including the cities of Chula Vista, Imperial Beach and National City, along with San Ysidro, Bonita and other communities. I write about politics, schools, border issues and what makes this part of San Diego unique. Send me tips, story ideas or questions.
Fun San Diego fact about me: The beauty of this place never, ever ceases to astound me.
Email: jim.hinch@voiceofsandiego.org
Phone: (619) 550-5669
X: @jimkhinch
Will Huntsberry, Assistant Editor
Before becoming an assistant editor at Voice, I worked as a senior investigative reporter. I broke stories about a fake nonprofit at Petco Park, a doctor who specialized in vaccine exemptions and fraud at a local veteran’s charity that all led to major changes in San Diego. I now co-write the Politics Report and help oversee our editorial output.
I love to spearfish.
Email: will.huntsberry@voiceofsandiego.org
Phone: (619) 693-6249
X: @willhunstberry
Nadia Lathan, Politics Reporter
I cover state politics for Voice of San Diego in partnership with CalMatters and am based in Sacramento. Previously, I covered Texas politics and breaking news for The Associated Press. As a reporter, fairness and accuracy are paramount to me, and I’m always striving to understand my sources’ perspectives.
When I’m away from my desk, I enjoy listening to long-form podcasts, city biking and catering to my orange cat’s demands.
Email: nadia.lathan@voiceofsandiego.org
X: @nlathanap
Read Nadia Lathan’s latest stories here.
Tigist Layne, Reporter
At Voice of San Diego, I cover North San Diego County, including the cities of Encinitas, Oceanside, Escondido, Vista, Carlsbad and more. I write about a variety of topics like housing, homelessness, politics, healthcare and other issues that are top of mind for North County residents. Please feel free to send me tips, story ideas and questions, I’d love to hear from you.
A little about me outside of reporting: I love being outside! That includes walks with my dog, hikes, runs, picnics and I’m trying to teach myself tennis (we’ll see how it goes).
Email: tigist.layne@voiceofsandiego.org
Phone: (619) 800-8453
X: @tigistlayne
Jakob McWhinney, Education Reporter
As education reporter, my job is to keep an eye on schools throughout San Diego County. My coverage focuses on holding schools and elected officials accountable with the goal of pushing towards a future in which all children have what they need to thrive.
Recovering musician. Bad basketball player. Gummy enthusiast.
Email: Jakob@VOSD.org
Signal/Phone Number:(619) 786-4418
X: @JakobMcwhinney
Instagram: @JakobMcWhinney
Bluesky: @jakobmcwhinney.bsky.social
Bella Ross, Social Media Producer
I break down complicated civic concepts to help people better understand and engage with local news. Most of my work can be found on Voice’s social media accounts, including short-form videos and graphics.
I collect all forms of physical media and am obsessed with my orange cat.
Email: bella.ross@voiceofsandiego.org
Social Links: @voiceofsandiego
Matt Skraby, Podcast Producer
Matt Skraby has been in San Diego sports radio for 9 years and has been hosting and producing podcasts for the last 6 years. Currently he is the Executive Producer of Gwynn and Chris, and host of The Skraby Show on 97.3 The Fan in San Diego. He graduated from the University of San Francisco and is a proud papa to his dog Lucky.
