“Most people are way too trusting, way too polite and not nearly inquisitive enough. If everyone spent a little time reading worthwhile history, science and journalism instead of listening to blowhards and con artists, the American middle class wouldn't be imploding quite so quickly.” A graduate of Southern Illinois University, Jim occasionally studied English literature but spent most of his time as a radio reporter and freelance correspondent covering the social meltdowns of the 1960s. A serial entrepreneur, Jim founded several publishing ventures, including ConsumerAffairs.com in 1998. A former Associated Press executive, editor and reporter, he has covered just about everything imaginable and a few things that seemed unimaginable until they happened. He is unduly proud of his many enemies. He lives in the Washington, D.C., area and Palm Springs, CA. Write to him at jhood@consumeraffairs.com.

Lauren oversees editorial strategy and content production at ConsumerAffairs, bringing 15+ years of writing/editing experience spanning technology journalism, small business coverage and higher education. She’s passionate about providing relevant, unbiased information to help others make informed buying decisions. Lauren holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in German Literature from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and German Business & Translation from Northern Illinois University. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with family and chasing her toddler around.

Cassidy is a writer and editor from Tulsa who spearheads much of ConsumerAffairs’ coverage of home services, from solar energy to moving to home warranties. She received her B.A. in writing from University of Arkansas and her M.F.A. in writing at Vermont College of Fine Arts. She worked as an editor and freelance journalist in local culture and news for The Tulsa Voice before joining ConsumerAffairs in 2020. She's also taught writing through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at OSU-Tulsa and composition at Tulsa Community College.

Kathryn writes about topics important to both homeowners and renters, including security systems, pest control, solar panels, warranties and more. Her goal is to demystify complex purchases and empower readers to make informed decisions. Before ConsumerAffairs, she earned an English degree from Northeastern State University and worked in community journalism and digital marketing for several years.

Jon oversees the factual integrity of ConsumerAffairs content, leads a research team and contributes as a writer. Before joining the company in 2018, he worked in the U.S. Senate and at a health care research firm. When he’s not editing content or contributing to CA’s data journalism efforts, Jon is closely following the news, running, umpiring high school baseball or watching the Milwaukee Bucks. Jon lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with his wife and their standard poodle.

Morgan is a seasoned freelance writer and editor residing in Maine. As a contributor to ConsumerAffairs, she tackles a diverse range of topics, leaving no stone unturned to deliver comprehensive and easily digestible content to readers. Her work has been featured on reputable platforms such as Reader's Digest, Taste of Home, Family Handyman, The Healthy and Hunker. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of New Hampshire.

Matt is a writer and editor who heads the ConsumerAffairs content team. He helps consumers make informed buying decisions on warranties, solar panels and more. Before joining ConusmerAffairs in 2024, he wrote and edited for Zippia, a career mentorship platform. He received his B.A. in English from the University of Connecticut and his MPhil from Trinity College Dublin.

Alexis leads content strategy and brand-building efforts at ConsumerAffairs. She graduated from the University of Florida and has built her career in content marketing, with a focus on turning data into helpful, newsworthy stories that empower and inform consumers. Her work has been featured in publications including PR Week, Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal. Originally from Amelia Island, Florida, Alexis now lives in Boulder, Colorado with her husband, Alec, and their dog, Reggie.

A storyteller at heart, Rebecca enjoys creating data-driven stories that challenge or enhance existing narratives. She takes a thoughtful approach to building relationships with journalists, which has earned her coverage in Forbes, NPR, Search Engine Journal, Fox News, and more. She graduated from Miami University with a degree in Strategic Communication and Professional Writing. She lives in Chicago, IL, and believes tavern-style pizza is superior to deep dish.

Jailyn began her career telling stories on TV as a news producer, learning firsthand what makes a story impossible to ignore. Today, she brings that experience to digital public relations, creating data-driven campaigns that resonate with both journalists and consumers. Her work has been featured in national outlets including Travel + Leisure, Patch and USA Today. A University of South Florida graduate and Florida native, she now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband and Dalmatian, Sagittarius (Sage for short). Outside of work, she enjoys getting her hands dirty in the garden and baking desserts that may or may not survive long enough to be photographed.

Born in Texas, Dayna studied in Mississippi, launched her career in South Carolina, and now calls Savannah, Georgia, home with her husband. She started out as a television news producer, giving her a behind-the-scenes perspective on what grabs a journalist’s attention and how to craft a pitch that stands out in the inbox. As a digital PR specialist, her work has been featured in nationally recognized outlets including The Washington Post, USA TODAY and Barron’s, showcasing her ability to promote campaigns that resonate with both reporters and consumers. Outside of work, Dayna enjoys playing tourist in her own city, boating when the tide allows, and trying to keep up with her Vizsla puppy, Copper.

After graduating from McGill University, Ella returned to her home state of Massachusetts to begin her career in digital public relations. Driven by her fascination with our evolving cultural zeitgeist, she earned a bachelor’s degree in English and communication studies while gaining PR, marketing and journalism experience outside the classroom. From classic novels to contemporary films, Ella has studied a broad range of media with a focus on what makes a story noteworthy and memorable. In her free time, Ella enjoys reading, cooking, exploring her community and cheering on Boston sports teams.

“I think consumers need someone to listen to them and I find taking on that role to be very gratifying.” Mark has written about consumer issues for ConsumerAffairs.com since 2004. Previously, he was a news correspondent for the Associated Press Radio Network, Westwood One Radio Networks and Marketwatch.com. Huffman also produces video segments for ConsumerAffairs.com and, in 2006, produced a 20-minute DVD, “Senior Scam Alert,” a training tool to help seniors avoid scams. He received a B.A. degree from the University of Kentucky, and he and his family reside in Richmond, VA. Write to him at mark.huffman@consumeraffairs.com.

Kristen Dalli is a New York native and recent graduate of Marist College. She has worked as a writer and editor for several different companies and publications, including Thought Catalog, The Oddysey, Thomas Greco Publishing, and several travel blogs. She's currently pursuing her MFA in Creative Non-Fiction at Fairfield University and spends her free time drinking lots of coffee!

Kyle James is a consumer-savings writer who turns real store intel into practical, repeatable wins that lower your cost of living. When he isn’t interviewing employees for insider tips, he’s golfing or hiking around his hometown of Redding, CA.