Meet Our VP of Marketing, Mitchell Phillips

In my role as the VP of Marketing for American Community Journals, I oversee the strategic direction and execution of all marketing activities, ensuring our community journals’ brand identities, messaging, and partnerships align with ACJ’s business goals.

I develop and execute marketing strategies, lead digital marketing efforts to grow our audience and collaborate with editorial, sales, and operations teams to support content distribution and revenue-generating initiatives. Additionally, I monitor performance through data analysis, stay current on industry trends, and provide leadership and assistance to achieve company objectives and drive the organization’s growth and financial success.

My favorite part of the job is the data analysis. I really enjoy diving into our performance metrics because they offer direct insights and feedback. The numbers tell the story of ACJ’s growth and impact. This not only motivates me but also sparks my creativity as I look for new ways to improve and innovate. As a lifelong athlete and competitor, it feels like being back in a lacrosse game—some days you win, some days you lose, but so far, we’ve been doing a lot of winning.

I love the challenge of working for a young, up-and-coming publication and helping it carve out a name for itself in the competitive news media industry. It is even more rewarding to do this with a non-traditional business model, which pushes us to be creative, innovative, and resilient. I also love working with a team of individuals who are not only a joy to collaborate with but are also genuinely passionate about their work and deeply committed to the ACJ mission. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by people who truly believe in what we do.

My proudest achievement so far is earning my role as VP of Marketing in January 2023. As I was finishing my senior year at Widener University in 2018, I had a job lined up with another company. However, a few weeks before graduation, the company was acquired, and new management came in, which led to losing that opportunity. After two and a half months of struggling just to get an interview, I finally got one with ACJ.

At the time, ACJ had only three people, two community journals (VISTA.Today and DELCO.Today), and no marketing department. I started as a social media manager, earning $14 an hour, but I needed a job. Unlike many of my peers who joined larger organizations with established teams, I had to learn and define my role on my own. Every day was a grind but also a chance to grow. I’m honored to be recognized as a valuable team member and to have the opportunity to lead at American Community Journals.

The biggest impact ACJ has on the community comes from two key elements: its readers and its affiliate partners.

1. Readers: Our biggest impact on the community is through the content we provide to our readers. We offer a refreshing alternative in today’s news and media landscape, which is often filled with negativity, politics, and unsettling events. We focus on sharing positive and uplifting news, stories, and content that bring people together and lift their spirits. The feedback we receive and the growth we’ve achieved are clear signs of our positive impact on the communities we serve and the people who call them home.

2. Affiliate Partners: Our company’s biggest impact on the community is through the support we provide to our affiliate partners. Many companies today face challenges transitioning from traditional advertising to the digital world and struggle to effectively connect with their local communities. They often find it difficult to get their stories picked up by news and media outlets. We offer our affiliate partners a platform that addresses both of these challenges. With over 100 affiliate partners and a high renewal rate, it’s clear that they value the unique opportunity we provide to reach their target audience and share their stories in an engaging and authentic way.

My most memorable moment was at our first VISTA Millennial Superstars award ceremony in 2019, held at the Saint-Gobain U.S. headquarters in Malvern, Pennsylvania. The VISTA Millennial Superstars is our initiative to recognize and honor Chester County’s most dynamic business and professional leaders under 40 who are making a significant impact in their careers and communities.

The room was filled with joy and excitement that night—I’ll never forget the laughs and tears of happiness shared among the honorees, their families, friends, and colleagues. It truly felt like we were doing something important. Each year, the event grows bigger and better, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received along the way that has helped make it special.

ACJ Proudly Highlights Team Member Contributions

Mitchell Phillips’ story is a testament to the spirit of innovation, resilience, and dedication that drives American Community Journals. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we are proud to highlight the incredible contributions of team members like Mitchell, who continue to shape our success and impact in the communities we serve. Here’s to many more years of growth, creativity, and community impact with ACJ, Mitchell!

Interested in Telling Your Story With ACJ?

American Community Journals empowers businesses across the Delaware Valley to amplify their voice through impactful local storytelling. Whether you’re a brand seeking to connect with your community or a storyteller with a unique perspective, we’re here to elevate your brand with content that resonates and fosters genuine consumer engagement.

Fill out the form below to learn more about partnership opportunities and how we can elevate your message with the power of community-focused content!