About Us

Since 1985, Chicago Life Magazine has explored the rich cultural heritage and diversity of life in the greater Chicago area and covered regional, national and international personalities, trends and events from a Chicago perspective.  Our editorial focuses on top artists and authors, exceptional artisans from Chicago and the midwest, regional environmental trends and developments, as well as insights into health, economics, education, senior living, travel and much more.

Publisher Pam Berns                                                                              Associate Publisher Mike Kearns                                                            Associate Editors Kathy Berns, Frank Schweihs

Contributors

Kathy Berns has been a 33-year contributor to Chicago Life.  She has had a career in marketing and enjoys travel and photography.

Cory Franklin, M.D. was director of medical intensive care at Cook County Hospital, and is the author of Cook County ICU: 30 Years of Unforgettable Patients and Odd Cases. He is currently practicing at NorthShore University HealthSystem.

Ned Haggard studied creative writing at Harvard, was publications editor at Waldenbooks and is a prize-winning writer, photographer, poet and author of Hope Stays Late.

Christopher Johnson is a conservation writer based in Highland Park and co-author of Forrests for the People.

Julie West Johnson is a freelance writer who has written extensively on education and was formerly an English teacher at New Trier High School in Winnetka.

Pamela Dittmer McKuen is a features journalist who specializes in travel, style and home design.  She writes a lively travel blog geared toward Baby Boomers at AllTheWritePlaces.com. She is also co-author of Expressionista: How to Express Your True Self Through (and Despite) Fashion.

Marc Ringel, M.D. was born in Chicago and practiced family medicine in Colorado. He has written on many aspects of healthcare and is widely published.

Allen R. Sanderson teaches economics at the University of Chicago, specializing in the economics of sports, economic impact analysis, and education and labor markets. He contributes to op-ed pages on sports and non-sports topics, and is a frequent on national television programs.

Frank Schweihs is an award winning essayist, culture writer and associate editor for Chicago Life.

Marilyn Soltis is a writer and reporter with extensive experience in traditional and alternative media.  Her work has taken her around the globe, from Central and South America to Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Sigalit Zetouni writes about various aspects of the arts and culture and is co-author of a biography on Ariel Sharon, Sharon: Israel’s Warrior Politician.