URGENT UPDATE: Renowned Chicago newspaper editor Andrea Hanis has died at the age of 56, following a courageous battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Hanis passed away on November 12, 2023, at a rehabilitation facility in the Gold Coast, as confirmed by her close friend and former colleague Joyce Winnecke.
Hanis was a prominent figure in Chicago journalism, known for her creativity and leadership across multiple prestigious publications, including the Chicago Sun-Times, Tribune, and Crain’s Chicago Business. Her final role was as editor of the Chicago Law Bulletin, a position she held until her retirement last year amid her cancer treatment.
As a respected mentor, Hanis shaped the careers of countless journalists while fostering a culture of integrity in the newsroom. “She lived and breathed integrity and good journalism,” Winnecke remarked, highlighting Hanis’s impact on both colleagues and stories. Her legacy is characterized by her commitment to high journalistic standards, a trait that resonated throughout her illustrious career.
Born in 1969 in Whiting, Indiana, Hanis earned her journalism degree from Indiana University before launching her career at the Louisville Courier-Journal. She moved to Chicago in 1993, where she quickly became a vital part of the Sun-Times team, serving in various editorial roles over an impressive 11-year tenure.
Winnecke noted Hanis’s exceptional leadership skills, recalling her guidance on the Tribune’s Blue Sky Innovation project, which focused on reaching new audiences in technology and entrepreneurship. “We knew she was a good leader of people,” Winnecke said, emphasizing Hanis’s ability to inspire and elevate those around her.
During her battle with cancer, Hanis took an active role in understanding her diagnosis, employing her journalistic skills to research and manage her treatment. “She applied the reporting principles she used throughout her career toward the diagnosis,” Winnecke added, showcasing Hanis’s determination and resilience.
Colleagues remember her not just for her editorial prowess but also for her vibrant personality. Ann Weiler, assistant managing editor for special projects at Crain’s, described Hanis as “an incredibly insightful editor and a beautiful colleague.” Weiler recounted how Hanis fostered creativity, exemplified by her innovative critique of the Business of Life section prior to its launch.
Hanis’s passion extended beyond journalism; she was an avid cook and hosted a Great Books club that combined literature with culinary creativity. Her friends cherished the memories of shared meals and laughter, reinforcing the deep connections she nurtured throughout her life.
Hanis’s mentorship reached beyond the newsroom, impacting community initiatives such as the Medill Local News Accelerator, where her guidance was vital in launching the Chicago Social Butterflies newsletter. Former colleague Jake Wittich praised her kindness and humor, stating, “We couldn’t have done this without her. I’m just really thankful.”
With no immediate family, Hanis was surrounded by a devoted circle of friends who supported her during her illness. They celebrated her 56th birthday at the hospice center just one week before her passing. “She was so young,” friend Patricia Wood Winn said, reflecting on the profound loss felt by those who knew her.
Hanis’s passing marks the end of an era in Chicago journalism. A celebration of her life is planned for January, offering friends, colleagues, and admirers the opportunity to honor her extraordinary contributions and the indelible mark she left on the industry.
As tributes pour in, the legacy of Andrea Hanis as a champion of journalism and a beloved mentor will undoubtedly inspire future generations in the field.
