Chuck Hagner, Editor

Chuck Hagner is the editor-in-chief of BirdWatching magazine and a publishing professional with over 20 years’ experience writing, editing, and choosing photos to inform, educate, and entertain.

Hagner became editor of BirdWatching (formerly Birder's World) in 2001. He joined the magazine after a successful career as a writer and editor at Time Life Books, where he contributed to dozens of volumes on a variety of topics, including ancient civilizations, home repair and improvement, paranormal phenomena, modern warfare, and many others.

Before joining Time Life, he was able to indulge a lifelong passion for design and art as the managing editor of the AIA Press at the American Institute of Architects in Washington, DC.

Hagner has written about birdwatching for Nature Conservancy and other national publications, and his articles appear regularly in BirdWatching and on the blog BirdWatching Field of View.

He is the author of two books about birds and birdwatching: Guide to Ducks and Geese and Wings of Spring: Courtship, Nesting, and Fledging (Stackpole Books).

Hagner holds a master's degree from American University in Washington, DC, and dual bachelor's degrees from Boston University. He is a member of the American Birding Association, American Ornithologists' Union, Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, and other associations.

He is married and the father of two children. He and his family live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, not far from a great spot for warblers in the spring.

BirdWatching appears bimonthly and is distributed nationwide and in Canada. It is published by Kalmbach Publishing Co., located in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Carole Ross, Art Director

I really love working on BirdWatching! I look forward to learning about the different kinds of birds that will be featured in each issue. The photography is so beautiful, and the birds so colorful, it makes my job such a pleasure!

Over the 12 years that I've been employed at Kalmbach Publishing, I've had the pleasure of art directing many different publications, including Astronomy, Art Jewelry, Bead&Button, Model Retailer, Scale Auto, BeadStyle, and BirdWatching. Previously in my career, I've worked at a children's book publisher, several graphic design studios, and a non-profit organization, and I taught graphic design to college students.

I live with my wonderful husband Ed, who is an architect, our dog Daisy, and our cat Midgy. My other interests include decorating our 1961 "Super-ranch" in authentic 1960s style, gardening, playing cards, going to the movies, eating out, traveling, shopping, and hanging out with friends.

Matt Mendenhall, Associate Editor

I write and edit news and feature stories, evaluate manuscripts, find photos, and write book and product reviews. I edit our popular Hotspots Near You section, and I've covered the reintroduction of Whooping Cranes in the eastern U.S. since 2001. My articles include:

Julie Kuczynski, Editorial Associate

From Milwaukee, Wis., Julie graduated as an Evans Scholar from the University of Wisconsin - Madison with a BA in sociology and English with a creative writing emphasis. Starting out in the book industry, living in Chicagoland briefly, she has worked on various titles and genres including murder mysteries, biographies, gift books, children's books and more. She is now well versed in magazine publishing and Web site management with just under 3 years of experience at American Snowmobiler magazine.

Though new to birding, Julie has always been fascinated with our feathered friends. In the past she has partaken in volunteer work at the Wehr Nature Center in Franklin, Wis., as a critter caretaker, learning a bit about falconry rehabilitation techniques with "Tufts E. Screech Owl."

Growing up, Julie took many trips with her family to a lake cottage in both the summer and the winter months, always curiously exploring the outdoors.

In her spare time Julie enjoys playing tennis, fishing, reading, film, wandering around the Internet, traveling, and now creating a life list!

Craig Greuel, Advertising Sales Representative

I have been with Kalmbach Publishing Co. since 1997, handling advertising for several different magazines reaching vast audiences. Previously, I worked in advertising sales with leading trade magazines serving the agri-business and metals industries. I am a native of Wisconsin, and earned a bachelor's degree in marketing at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

In my spare time I enjoy the great outdoors, especially camping, hiking and biking at Wisconsin's various state parks. I live in a northern suburb of Milwaukee with my wife Brenda, and our three children Madeline, Evan and Aidan.

Linda Kast, Publisher

Do what you love; love what you do.

That sage advice, dispensed long ago from my mother, launched my career in publishing. From my first encounter with an X-Acto knife to everything that's now digital, I engaged in a love affair with reader service. In other words, I'm an advocate for communicating accurate, timely information to people who are passionate about their hobbies. And working with the BirdWatching team has been a fitting experience.

I joined Kalmbach in November 2007 and the BirdWatching team in June 2008. Born and raised in Chicago, I graduated from Elmhurst College with a BFA in Time Arts/Communications and have spent long hours in the darkroom, at the copy desk, and among colleagues discussing the merits of different media. When I'm not working, I'm pursuing some of my favorite hobbies: needlework, fiber arts, and long walks in the woods where I'm getting better at spotting birds I can name.