Armstrong McGuire’s engagement with Rebuild Local News commenced with a strategic discussion between Armstrong McGuire’s Principal, Bert Armstrong, and Steven Waldman, Founder and President of Rebuild Local News (RLN). Waldman's efforts to advance local, nonpartisan journalism has garnered interest from national funders committed to supporting the development of organizational infrastructure aimed at meaningful change. In response to this momentum, Waldman prioritized expanding his team with professionals who are skilled in both policy and campaign execution and long-term organizational sustainability.

Over an 18-month collaborative partnership, Armstrong McGuire team members Todd Brantley, Sam Wright, and Ginny Waller facilitated searches and conducted capacity-building initiatives, supporting RLN's talent acquisition and reinforcing team culture. A notable achievement was the recruitment of RLN’s Chief Operating Officer, Jenna Price Mallette who became a critical strategic partner with Waldman in designing the build-out of RLN’s staff. Including Mallette’s appointment, Armstrong McGuire has successfully placed six operational, administrative, campaign, policy, and resource development professionals within the RLN team. Additional services provided included coaching and facilitation of a staff retreat, which complemented these early-stage talent acquisition and organizational development efforts.