Lifer Spotlight: Damon Modglin

As the editorial director at GreatNews.Life (GNL), nearly every article packed with good news has passed Damon Modglin’s desk. Cultivating a source of positive news within the community takes a dedicated team of wonderful people, and Modglin does his part to fulfill the goal at GNL to spread positivity within the community.

Modglin joined GNL in 2022 after seeking work that more aligned with his interests in journalism and allowed him to use the skills he developed while studying for his bachelor’s degree. During the job hunt, Modglin came across GNL.

“I really enjoyed the mission at GNL of highlighting the good happening in the community,” Modglin said, “Growing up in Gary, I heard a lot about how bad it was there, but I knew many great people who were trying to make a difference. I wanted to work somewhere that would help me shine a light on the progress happening in the place I lived.”

He cast a wide net, applying to be a new media journalist, editor, social media editor, and an administrative assistant. At-the-time Editorial Director Ashley Spargo and Modglin eventually settled on him joining the team as an editor. He brought not only his bachelor’s degree in English to the table, but prior experience editing at Indiana University’s undergraduate literary journal, “An Inkslinger’s Observance.”

The following year, Modglin became deputy editor in a transition he describes as natural.

“I was actively seeking out ways I could support the rest of the team, so a lot of the time, I was already doing aspects of the job before the title change. I like being able to help our team succeed,” said Modglin.

In 2025, Modglin officially became editorial director. In this position, Modglin has a hand in a little bit of everything. He not only keeps the content making GNL great to a high quality, but he works tirelessly to set the journalists and coverage team at GNL up for success by gathering assignment details, running workshops, and conducting training. He is the go-between for accommodations or workload adjustments.

“I have the opportunity to wear a lot of hats,” said Modglin.

He himself also attends events, writes articles, and takes photos alongside the journalism team. If you see anyone in the GNL crew out and about, there’s a high chance you’ll get to meet Modglin.

“Even though he’s the editorial director, I think a lot of our partners love it when he’s there for coverage because he’s a great representation of what GNL is all about,” said Garrett Spoor, editor and field journalist at GreatNews.Life.

Everyone at GNL is committed to upholding the all-positive approach of online publishing. Modglin enjoys working with the rest of the team and making it all happen.

“We have a great crew in the office, without a doubt. Everyone is willing to help everyone, and it’s because we don’t look at things like, ‘Oh, that’s Damon’s job,’ or ‘That’s Garrett’s job, so I’m not going to touch it,’” said Modglin. “Our work is a representation of all of us, so we’re all happy to do whatever we can to ensure it’s the best it can be.”

Outside of his college education and previous editorial experience, Modglin’s hobbies outside of work afford him valuable skills in this role.

“Being a game master for a Dungeons and Dragons group has transferred surprisingly well into my current role. Both require organizing people, communicating, and working together towards a goal. It’s also given me the ability to stay cool when things go a little off plan, to improvise,” said Modglin.

Alongside Dungeons and Dragons, Modglin enjoys reading and writing – when his time isn’t being eaten up by his St. Bernard puppy, Marzen, who is a hundred pounds of pure puppy energy.