Lauren Morris was named Creative Director of Wake Living & Cary Magazine in 2021. She joined Cherokee Media Group in 2017, bringing more than 20 years of graphic design experience and previously served as Cary Magazine’s Creative Director for four years. She has worked for multiple newspapers, including six years with The News & Observer and has been awarded multiple NC Press Association awards. Born and raised in northeastern North Carolina, Lauren graduated from East Carolina University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication, Media Studies. Lauren also holds a diploma in Advertising and Graphic Design.
Outside of planning and designing the latest issues, Lauren enjoys hanging out with her dogs, Bella and Harley.
Jonathan Fredin was named chief photographer of Cherokee Media Group in 2008, following an award-winning career as a newspaper reporter and photojournalist in Virginia and Florida and as a freelance photographer for The New York Times and The Associated Press. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in print media from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. When not shooting for Wake Living, Cary Magazine and Main & Broad, Jonathan enjoys photographing wildlife, reading fiction and riding bicycle long distance.
Erin McKnight is a writer, editor, book reviewer, writing teacher, book coach, and internationally award-winning literary book publisher. She holds a BA in English and journalism and an MFA in Creative Writing, with a specialization in fiction. During her time as a professional ghostwriter, Erin was fortunate to work with notable figures in industries ranging from business to politics to health care to the entertainment industry and beyond; her own fiction and creative nonfiction has been widely published and nominated for several awards and is currently held by the Scottish Mining Museum. Erin has written for newspapers and media outlets, and for businesses ranging from budding startups to Fortune-10 companies. She has also had the pleasure of teaching students of all ages and is a New York Times–Bestselling editor. In addition, her nonfiction scriptwriting has garnered more than a million views. Erin is, unsurprisingly, a lover of words and stories — and the enveloping beauty of North Raleigh.
Arlem America Mora joined Cherokee Media Group in May 2022 as Local & Regional Social Media Coordinator, Cary Magazine, Main & Broad, and Wake Living. She spent half a decade working in broadcasting in Nicaragua as a TV talk show host and spokesperson and the subsequent half behind the camera as a freelance videographer, photographer, and graphic designer. She is relentless in her pursuit of crafting images and videos that tell a story. Arlem recently moved to Cary with her husband, Roberto, and her pooch, Rocco. She enjoys running, boxing, and hiking when she is not posting and checking audience engagement on our social media platforms.
Jaime Nolan joined Cherokee Media Group in 2023 as a local writer, content creator, and stylist for both Cary Magazine and Wake Living. She has a passion for generating fresh story ideas, promoting local businesses, and excels in fashion and décor styling. With prior experience as a marketing and event manager, photoshoot producer, and in public relations, Jaime brings a versatile skill set to her role. Hailing from the Mitten State and a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan, she is delighted to now reside in the Raleigh area, where sunshine is abundant and warm days outnumber the cold ones. Jaime cherishes spending time with her husband, two boys, two golden retrievers, and playing tennis.
Kris Schultz, Publisher, joined Cherokee Media Group in 2008 as a media sales manager for their publications, Triangle East Magazine and Cary Magazine. Today, Kris oversees all of Cherokee Media Group’s Local & Regional print, digital and event properties. He has over 20 years of experience in advertising, ranging from ESPN Radio to the CW Broadcast Network. Kris thrives on keeping the publications on the pulse of the community and partnering local businesses together to help them grow.
Tara Shiver first joined Cherokee Media Group in 2007 as copy editor after graduating from NC State University. She served as co-editor and web editor for Cary Magazine before leaving in 2013. After moving around the East Coast as a military spouse, she rejoined Cherokee Media Group as copy editor in 2022. Tara produces weekly e-newsletters for Cary Magazine, Wake Living, and Main & Broad. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Justin, and their menagerie of cats and chickens. Tara spends her free time gardening, trying to bear-proof her bird feeders, and playing pub trivia.
Emily Uhland joined Cherokee Media Group in 2005. Emily has held several roles within the company including lead graphic designer, lifestyle editor, contributing writer, and senior editor. Emily loves the opportunity to meet and share the stories of passionate individuals and organizations working to enrich the communities of Wake County. Emily contributes to Cherokee Media Group’s family of local lifestyle publications: Wake Living, Cary Magazine, and Main & Broad.
Lisa White joined Cherokee Media Group in 2010. Lisa oversees circulation and distribution of all Local and Automotive media properties including Cary Magazine, Main and Broad, Wake Living, LookWest, Auto Remarketing and Auto Remarketing Canada. Lisa is also responsible for planning and coordinating all of our local events as well as our national conferences. Born in Scotland U.K., she became a U.S. citizen in 1996 and is proud to call North Carolina home. During her spare time, she enjoys camping, live music events, cooking and reading Wake Living.
L.A. Jackson is regular contributor to Cherokee Media Group. He is also a regular garden columnist for the News & Observer and Carolina Country magazine, and the former editor of Carolina Gardener magazine. He lives in Apex.
David McCreary is a freelance food writer for Cary Magazine. When he’s not scouting out the next buzz-worthy local eatery, David enjoys golf, tennis and modern rock music. He especially loves spending quality time with his wife, Jenny, with whom he recently celebrated 25 years of marriage.
David and his wife have two children, Noah and Joy, and live in Fuquay-Varina.
