Denise Crosby

Denise Crosby is a distinguished journalist whose career spans more than 40 years in the Chicago area. Since 1995, she has been a column writer for the Beacon-News, Courier-News, and Naperville Sun, with her work also appearing in the Chicago Tribune, Sun-Times, and other publications nationally and internationally.

Crosby has held key editorial roles, including Sunday Editor, Features Editor, and Managing Editor for the Beacon-News, and later served as projects editor and writing coach for all Copley Newspapers of Northern Illinois. She was eventually named Senior Editor of Content for these publications, mentoring countless journalists and overseeing award-winning projects and special sections.

Her work has earned numerous accolades, including multiple Peter Lisagor Awards from the Chicago Headline Club, most recently in 2020, and the Anne Keegan Award for giving voice to the voiceless. Crosby has won national recognition from the National Newspaper Editors Association for investigative reporting, as well as first-place honors in dozens of state journalism competitions. Her special section “Generations Under the Influence” received praise from universities nationwide for its candid exploration of societal views on alcohol.

In addition to journalism, Crosby has co-founded the motivational speaking partnership Goosebumps and authored two acclaimed biographies: Six Rings From Nowhere, the life story of NFL wide receiver Don Beebe, and Snow White Goes to War, the autobiography of Amos Nicholson. Her work on Beebe’s story is being adapted into the upcoming film Run For Glory.

Crosby resides in Elburn, Illinois, with her husband Robert, and is the proud mother of six children and many grandchildren. Her enduring career reflects both journalistic excellence and a commitment to mentorship, storytelling, and community impact.