Meet the Team

Mary Helen is the editor of Chattamatters. A native Chattanoogan, she is an experienced journalist and storyteller. Her work has appeared on public radio (WUTC Chattanooga, WPLN Nashville, Here & Now from WBUR), as well as in The Chattanooga Times Free Press, the Christian Science Monitor, and on podcasts (Criminal, Slate Magazine). Awards include a regional Edward R. Murrow award and a nomination for the Pulitzer Prize in local reporting. 

Ian-Alijah is an experienced visual design artist with a background in video production and graphic design. He was born and raised in Chattanooga, where he grew a love for storytelling and cinematography.

He’s been awarded for several short films throughout his career including a multinational award from Lift-Off Global Film Studios. When he’s not creating art, you can find him enjoying a hot bowl of ramen with his headphones on.

William is an award-winning journalist and editor focused on communicating important topics in a way that’s accessible to everyone.

Before coming to Chattanooga, he received his master’s degree from the University of Georgia and wrote for his hometown paper, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Catch him biking around town trying and often failing to avoid potholes.