Hi! Thanks so much for checking out my portfolio.

I’m Lillian Ortiz and I love the news. I’ve worked at print publications and digital news organizations since 2000, covering New Jersey municipalities for a large part of my early career. For more than a decade now I’ve managed small newsrooms, first as managing editor of The Montclair Times, then as editor of The Verona-Cedar Grove Times. During that time I earned dozens of awards for my reporting, layout and design work, and even photography (that was definitely a surprise!), and my newspapers were often cited as the best weekly in the state. (See related awards and accolades)
In 2016 I joined the team at Shelterforce magazine, a national nonprofit publication that promotes just and equitable communities. We report on affordable housing, neighborhood change, equity, the social determinants of health, and lots more. At Shelterforce, I spend most of my time working with reporters and editing their stories, planning future content and series, and developing our publication schedule. I also plan most of our promotion, including for webinars and events, and I lead our audio efforts.
In another life, I wrote about astronomy for my space blog and for Universe Today. Fun times.
I consider myself a Jill of all trades, and I love working in an environment where there is a constant exchange of ideas and an undying desire to take it to the next level.
In my spare time I enjoy walks in nature, playing with my son, reading, and rewatching The Office and Parks and Rec.
You can reach me at Lillian.M.Ortiz@gmail.com.
Recommendations via LinkedIn:
“Never before or since our time as colleagues have I worked with someone with as much integrity, passion and thoughtfulness as her. I would not be half the journalist I am today if not for Lillian’s guidance over the years.”
“Lillian was an excellent editor and helped drive me toward aggressive news coverage when reporting on suburban Essex County. She built a close-knit collaborative environment in the newsroom which rewarded creativity.”
“Lillian has phenomenal people skills, a cool head during a crisis, and wonderful strategic planning and management abilities.”


From PETRA to RAD—The Path to Converting 140,000 Public Housing Units











