As American Community Journals (ACJ) celebrates ten years of delivering positive news across the Delaware Valley, we continue highlighting the talented individuals who have driven our success.

Today, we’re featuring Kimberly McGuane, President of ACJ. Kimberly plays a key role on the operational side of the business, overseeing everything from internal communication systems and finances to contracts and deliverables.

Her leadership and organizational skills help to keep ACJ’s many moving parts aligned, while her role in initiatives like VISTA Millennial Superstars strengthens our community presence.

Below, we explore Kimberly’s role, her favorite aspects of her work, and the evolution of her journey at American Community Journals.

Background Information: What To Know About Kimberly

Name: Kimberly McGuane
Title: President
Hometown: Chester Springs
Years at ACJ: 7

How did you and ACJ founder Ken Knickerbocker connect?

My sister, Barb Patragnoni, and a mutual acquaintance of Ken’s, Les Bear, worked together at Robert W. Baird. At the time, I had recently relocated back to Pennsylvania from New York and was looking for a new opportunity. Les and Barb introduced me to Ken.

I initially started as a part-time Assistant Editor with no background in editorial or media. Until then, I had spent most of my career in the insurance industry. But I was drawn to ACJ’s mission, especially as someone new to Chester County.

VISTA Today was a valuable resource for me personally, and I was excited to contribute to something that made a real impact on the community. From there, my role naturally evolved into more of an operational focus. I transitioned to Director of Operations, then COO, and now President.

My background in the insurance industry gave me the skills to oversee the internal workings of the company—managing finances, contracts, and communication. I’ve been fortunate to grow with ACJ as it’s expanded, and my journey here reflects that evolution.

What Does Your Current Role Entail?

When I joined ACJ in 2017, we were a team of three with two digital platforms and a few brave, supportive partners. Today, we have five platforms, multiple social media channels, and are on track to reach over 20 million pageviews this year. We now partner with 100 regional businesses and organizations, and our team has grown to 11 full-time team members, supported by a network of freelancers.

My role involves guiding the many moving parts of our organization to ensure they work in harmony, meeting deadlines, and reaching our goals.

As a remote team, we face unique challenges, but we’ve built a strong foundation based on great stories, solid relationships with partners, efficient workflows, sound financial management, and sophisticated technologies. My job is to ensure that foundation stays strong, adaptive, and ready for the growth Ken Knickerbocker, our Founder and CEO, envisions for ACJ.

What Is Your Favorite Part of the Job?

I work with a fantastic team of creative, entrepreneurial people. What I love most is looking at new ideas through a business lens and shaping those ideas to ensure they make good business sense. As a small business, we aren’t constrained by traditional limits on what’s possible, but we do have a responsibility to make decisions that ensure our organization stays healthy and sustainable.

What Do You Love Most About Working at ACJ?

I love that the work we do at ACJ positively impacts people’s daily lives. We share stories that make communities feel like home, not just places we live. Our team deeply understands the importance of their work, and we collaborate across our personal responsibilities and departments.

I love our spirit of teamwork and how we celebrate each other’s successes—it’s amazing to see what we accomplish together every day.

What Is Your Proudest Achievement?

The launch of PHILADELPHIA Today in July 2023 was an incredible company milestone. It was the culmination of months of hard work and a long-held goal of extending our platforms to serve Philadelphia and all the surrounding counties.

With this expanded reach, regional businesses and organizations can now share their stories across the entire Delaware Valley, giving them a broader, more impactful presence.

What Is the Biggest Impact ACJ Has on the Community?

Living between Chester County and Chicago has given me a unique perspective on the value of ACJ. In Chicago, I’ve yet to find a single, reliable source for positive, local stories like what our platforms provide in the Delaware Valley.

Whether you’re a long-time resident, a newcomer, or just visiting, our platforms help you feel at home by offering relevant, upbeat content. As more Millennials and Gen Zers move away from cable TV, ACJ’s platforms—VISTA Today, DELCO Today, MONTCO Today, BUCKSCO Today, and PHILADELPHIA Today—are becoming vital community assets.

What Is Your Most Memorable Moment at ACJ?

One of my most memorable moments was the 2020 launch of VISTA Millennial Superstars (VMS) at Saint-Gobain in Malvern. The energy in the room was inspiring as we celebrated up-and-coming business leaders.

Penn State Great Valley has been our Presenting Sponsor for the past three years, and will be again in 2025! Their continued support has helped VMS grow into a significant initiative in Chester County. The energy of that event continues to build year after year, and I’m proud to see how it’s become an important part of our community.

Become an ACJ Affiliate Partner

Kimberly McGuane’s leadership and vision have been key to ACJ’s success. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we’re proud to highlight her contributions and look forward to the continued growth of ACJ under her guidance. Here’s to many more years of sharing positive stories and strengthening community connections!

Ready to grow your business and reach more people in your community? By joining American Community Journals’ affiliate marketing program, you can share your story on our platforms and connect with a wider audience. Be part of a network that supports local businesses and highlights positive stories. Fill out the form below to take the next step toward expanding your reach!

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