CHICAGO, June 21, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EveryBlock, an early innovator in the local news space, today announced that Brian Addison will join the company as president. In this newly created role, Addison will be responsible for leading EveryBlock's operations and developing its growth strategy.
In March, EveryBlock unveiled a significant new design that places community and conversation at the center of the neighborhood news experience. The site's new features enable residents to share and discuss news nearby, get to know each other, earn recognition for their contributions and improve their neighborhoods.
"We've been exploring ways to grow EveryBlock and capitalize on our unique position in the market and the great momentum we've built," said EveryBlock founder Adrian Holovaty. "I think we've just scratched the surface of what EveryBlock can do, and we're excited to add Brian to the team to help us implement our vision."
Addison brings extensive digital and business development experience to EveryBlock. He most recently served as General Manager of Band Digital, a digital advertising firm headquartered in Chicago. Prior to joining Band Digital, he was Director of Brand Strategy at Wirestone, a global digital marketing agency and worked as the brand manager for Beam Global Spirits and Wine. Addison is active in his community as well. He currently serves as a Trustee of the Chicago Academy of the Arts, and earlier in his career he founded and led Park Place Charities, a non-profit that supported at-risk children in Cabrini Green.
"I couldn't be more excited about joining EveryBlock. The talent and endless potential here are extremely inspiring," said Brian Addison, president of EveryBlock. "I look forward to working with the team to establish a strong leadership position for the EveryBlock brand within the highly innovative and rapidly evolving hyperlocal news space."
"Brian's a great fit for the EveryBlock community," said Dan Mucha, Vice President at Msnbc Interactive News, which acquired EveryBlock in 2009. "He's committed to helping people and businesses improve their communities, and sees EveryBlock as the opportunity to do that across the country."
Addison is a graduate of Northwestern University where he received his B.A. in economics and his M.B.A. from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management in marketing, finance and non-profit management. He resides in Chicago, IL.
About EveryBlock
EveryBlock is the best way to follow neighborhood news and connect with your neighbors in 16 U.S. cities. EveryBlock's goal is to help you make your block a better place by giving you frequently updated neighborhood news and tools to have meaningful conversations with neighbors. Founded in 2007, EveryBlock was awarded a grant from The Knight Foundation for its unique development of platforms, tools and services to inform and transform community news. Acquired by Msnbc Interactive News in August 2009, the team is based in Chicago.
CONTACT: Media Contact Becca Martin becca@everyblock.com 773-234-4461