Executive Director
Stephanie Klimstra
Stephanie became the executive director of SABEW on September 11, 2023. Prior to SABEW, Stephanie served 16 years with the Investigative Reporters & Editors organization. She joined IRE in 2007 as the organization’s conference coordinator and spent the past nine years as its director of events.
Stephanie brings 26 years of nonprofit, private sector and corporate experience to the role, having worked for a variety of organizations. As a result, she mixes strategic vision with an eye for detail, making Stephanie the ideal individual to help SABEW accomplish its mission of pursuing the highest standards of economic journalism without fear or favoritism, and increasing members’ skills and knowledge through continuous education. In addition, she also has experience in assisting with grant reporting.
Stephanie has been key in cultivating and fostering partnerships and relationships with colleagues, sponsors, exhibitors and others. At IRE, she oversaw all logistical aspects of the organization’s in-person and virtual conferences, which ranged in size from 100 to 2,000 people. In all cases, Stephanie accentuated both the customer and presenter experience and prioritized meaningful experiences that provided people the opportunity to connect with each other and learn about industry trends.
Stephanie received her undergraduate degree from Columbia College. She resides in Kennesaw, GA.
Contact Stephanie at [email protected], #678-209-7127 or @s_klimstra.
Membership and Awards Manager
Tess McLaughlin
Tess joined SABEW in September 2019 and has experience in member services, social media and copy editing. Prior to SABEW, Tess worked at a newspaper as a copy editor.
Tess received her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and her J.D. from Villanova University School of Law. She resides in Doylestown, PA.
Contact Tess at [email protected].
Digital Marketing Specialist
Mike Ford
Mike joined SABEW in December 2024 and has experience in marketing, business development, and education. Prior to SABEW, Mike was the Business Development Manager for an LED manufacturer.
Mike received his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and Master’s degrees from Wayne State University and Northeastern Illinois University. He resides in Lincolnshire, IL.
Contact Mike at [email protected].
