About Norwalk Current

Ashley RK Smith, Managing Editor Ashley has led the newsroom's day-to-day coverage since November 2024. She previously worked in local TV journalism at stations including FOX61, WFSB, and KFVS. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from Southeast Missouri State University, with a focus in photography and a minor in Mass Communication, as well as a technical degree in Digital Media Production.

Ethan Fry, Reporter Ethan started in July 2026 and has worked as a news reporter in Connecticut for more than 20 years at a number of publications, including The Journal-Inquirer in Manchester, The News-Times in Danbury, the Valley Independent Sentinel, the Connecticut Post, and Hearst CT. Ethan is also an adjunct instructor of news writing at UConn Stamford and enjoys being a dad to three young boys and a husband to their amazing mother.

Melisa Yuriar, Copy Editor joined NancyOnNorwalk in 2026 as a Copy Editor and Community Content Producer and is a classically trained journalist and editor who has spent the past decade working largely in community journalism and daily news. She has worked in print and digital newsrooms covering music, arts, culture, events and, most importantly, the people and issues that shape local communities. Melissa remains inspired by the Chapmans’ vision and is grateful for the opportunity to help readers feel more connected to the place they call home. When she’s not working, Melisa is usually at a concert or museum, out on her bike, checking out a community event, or exploring a new neighborhood.

Laura Higgins, Development Director Laura is a nonprofit fundraising professional with more than 20 years of experience in development, corporate partnerships, grants, major gifts, and peer-to-peer fundraising. She began her career in radio sales and marketing in Washington, DC at WHFS and WTOP/WGMS/WFED before transitioning to the nonprofit sector. Throughout her career, she has helped national and local organizations build fundraising programs, strengthen donor relationships, and develop strategies that generate sustainable revenue and advance their missions. She is honored to be part of an organization so deeply committed to serving and strengthening its community.

Jaimasan Sutton, Social Media Producer received a B.S. in Pure Mathematics and Philosophy and an M.S. in Statistics from the University of New Mexico. She loves finding new ways to connect people and create an easy-access community for resources. She participates in local theatre productions and anything else she finds herself in.

Mark Berns, President Mark describes himself as a “recovering journalist," having spent 20 years in newspapers, TV, and with The Associated Press, where he launched the wire service's first online news site. Mark has worked as a consultant in technology and organizational change leadership, and business strategy for another 20 years. He has been board president since Jan. 1, 2025, and has lived in Norwalk for 35 years.

Justin Matley, Vice President Justin has been a board member since 2021 and has spent 23 years in media and production, including award-winning stints with some of the world's biggest brands, networks, and agencies. Deeply passionate about the community he has lived in for 13 years, he also consults and volunteers for other local organizations and teaches at Connecticut universities. His most important work lies in being a husband to a nurse and a father to two girls.

Gerry Werner, Treasurer Gerry has served on the Board and as Treasurer since 2019. He is retired after a 30-year career in banking. Raised in Queens, NYC, Gerry moved to Norwalk in 1989. He immediately fell in love with its family-friendliness, diversity, and cultural vibrancy. In retirement, Gerry enjoys sketching, running and reading. Along with volunteer work, he spends happy hours with his two children and, at this count, three grandchildren.

Brenda Wilcox Williams, Secretary Brenda brings more than 30 years of communications experience and a true appreciation for all things Norwalk to the Board. A longtime resident, she raised two kids here and was an active NPS parent from kindergarten through the marching band years. Her professional experience includes 10 years as the school district’s chief communications officer. Today, she leads North American communications at BIC and has also held senior roles at Daymon Worldwide, Anheuser-Busch InBev, and global PR agencies. Brenda joined the Board in January 2024.

Claire Schoen has been a board member since 2014; she served as board president from 2019 to 2022. In 2019, she retired from a career in publishing and writing, having worked on both the editorial and business sides. A 37+ year resident of Norwalk, she raised her two children here. She was an original board member of the Norwalk Education Foundation and volunteer coordinator for the Columbus School Young Astronauts. When not busy with local news, she enjoys traveling with her husband, rowing with the Maritime Rowing Club, and playing with her grandchildren.

James Qi leads the board's technology operations work, currently helping guide NancyOnNorwalk's website relaunch and the systems the newsroom runs on day-to-day. By day, he is a strategy consultant in clean energy, with 15-plus years of designing and running utility and state energy programs. He has lived in Norwalk since 2015 and joined the board in March 2022. When he isn't working, he is usually volunteering: he is co-president of the Strawberry Hill School PTO and stage crew co-captain at Westport Academy of Dance.

Peter Sosnow Chair of the fundraising committee & member of the governance committee, Peter has been on the board since 2022. After more than 30 years on the business side of healthcare leadership, he has transitioned to residential multifamily real estate. His company, Two Paths Investment Partners, lets him invest locally and provide essential workers with affordable, quality homes. Peter has lived in Norwalk for five years. Peter and his wife found Norwalk to be the ideal place to raise their three sons due to the many opportunities it offers families to live happy, healthy lives. Spending more time in the community has strengthened Peter's commitment to Norwalk and his belief in the importance of independent local journalism.

Andrew Crook is a longtime journalist turned public relations professional who relishes the engagement and accountability that local news fosters. Andrew moved to Norwalk from Washington, DC, in 2021 and is proud to call his adopted city-on-the-Sound home. He has been a board member since 2024 and is a current member of the editorial committee.

Nancy Chapman was a co-founder, with her husband Mark, of NancyOnNorwalk, the original name for Norwalk Current. Recognizing gaps in local coverage, Nancy and Mark created the site to provide consistent, in-depth reporting on Norwalk’s government, schools, land development, and community affairs. When Mark passed away suddenly in 2016, Nancy continued reporting. Over the next decade as local news outlets disappeared across the rest of the country, NancyOnNorwalk provided the city with much-needed hyperlocal news. Nancy passed away in 2024 after a battle with cancer. Her legacy continues.

Mark Chapman was a co-founder and supported NancyOnNorwalk’s mission to deliver consistent, community-focused local journalism. He worked behind-the-scenes as Nancy’s editor and publisher to help sustain operations and strengthen the site’s role as a trusted source of news covering Norwalk’s government, people, and civic life.

Eric Chapman supported NancyOnNorwalk’s mission of delivering consistent, community-focused local journalism. Working behind the scenes and in collaboration with his parents, Eric built the original website. He helped sustain operations and strengthen the site’s role as a trusted source of news covering Norwalk’s government, people, and civic life. Eric retired from the organization in 2024.