Chuck Merlis
Managing Editor, Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine
I lead coverage focused on Tampa Bay business, leadership and long-term growth.
POSITIONING AND CONTEXT
I am a Tampa-based business reporter and editor serving as Managing Editor of Tampa Bay Business & Wealth. I lead editorial strategy and oversee reporting across print, digital and social platforms.
My work focuses on clear storytelling rooted in facts and local context. I cover how business leaders build, adapt and respond to challenges shaping Tampa Bay.
EDITORIAL BACKGROUND
Before joining Tampa Bay Business & Wealth, my reporting appeared in Business Observer, Tampa Beacon, FOX 13 News, Creative Loafing and WFLA.
I have held leadership roles in professional and academic newsrooms, managing contributors and shaping coverage with a focus on clarity, accuracy and audience trust.
Resume
Work Expierence
Freelance Reporter
Tampa, FL
June 2025 - Sept. 2025
-
Built relationships with editors, business owners, and PR professionals to source original high-impact stories.
-
Pitched and published feature-length stories across Tampa publications, spotlighting local entrepreneurs and emerging brands.
-
Click here to view my clips.
FOX 13 News
Digital Content Creator
Tampa, FL
October 2024 - May 2025
-
Developed multi-platform content strategies across web and social media platforms, aligning FOX's brand voice.
-
Drove targeted engagement by combining AI-driven keyword research, SEO strategies, and real-time analytics through content performance tools and TrueAnthem.
-
Repurposed broadcast packages with embedded visuals and hyperlinks optimized for digital consumption.
-
Produced breaking news, live video, and social assets using Adobe Photoshop and Premiere.
The Minaret Newspaper
Editor-in-Chief
Tampa, FL
Sept. 2023 - May 2024
-
Led the newspaper's transition from monthly to bi-weekly publishing and managed all print/digital operations
-
Oversaw content strategy and supervised a team of editors, writers, and designers.
-
Created layouts using Adobe InDesign and Photoshop; distributed via WordPress, MailChimp, and printed newspapers.
-
Grew online readership by 6,000% during my tenure.
-
Click here to read a letter of recommendation from The Minaret's faculty advisor.
BoardroomPR Coomunications
Public Relations Intern
Fort Lauderdale, FL
May 2023 - Sept. 2023
-
Supported day-to-day account management for clients in real estate, law, and professional services.
-
Drafted and edited press releases, media advisories, and client bios tailored to targeted outlets.
-
Built and maintained media lists; monitored coverage and compiled press reports for client distribution.
-
Assisted with content creation for blogs, newsletters, and social media across multiple platforms.
-
Participated in team brainstorms, client calls, and PR campaign strategy sessions.
-
Click here to read a letter of recommendation from a Vice President of BoardroomPR.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Training Camp
Communications Assistant
Tampa, FL
-
Drafted and distributed press releases; managed media credentialing and logistics for press events.
-
Transcribed, edited, and distributed media briefing materials to press and internal stakeholders using Adobe Creative Suite.
July 2024 - Sept. 2024
WFLA News Channel 8
Digital News Intern
Tampa, FL
Jan. 2024 - May 2024
-
Produced and published digital stories and social content under tight deadlines, aligning with newsroom standards and audience engagement goals.
-
Assisted reporters and editors by drafting web copy, editing video clips, and updating breaking news posts for immediacy and accuracy.
-
Optimized articles for digital platforms through headline writing, hyperlinking, and SEO best practices to drive audience growth.
-
Collaborated with the web team to repurpose on-air broadcast packages for online distribution, ensuring consistency in voice and style.
Tampa Bay Business & Wealth
Managing Editor
Tampa, FL
Sept. 2025 - Present
-
Direct editorial strategy and production across print, digital, newsletter and social platforms.
-
Manage publishing schedules, budgets and cross-functional teams to ensure on-time delivery.
-
Write, edit and curate AP-style content while maintaining brand voice and quality standards.
-
Partner with publisher to execute revenue-generating initiatives and strengthen advertiser relations.
-
Leverage SEO, analytics and social media strategy to grow digital reach and audience engagement.
-
Collaborate with designers on covers, layouts and visual storytelling to enhance reader impact.
-
Recruit and guide contributing writers to expand expertise and coverage.
-
Lead creation and posting of content across social channels, driving brand presence and community engagement.
Education
University of Tampa
B.A. in Journalism
2020-2024
Awarded the John Capouya Award for Excellence in Student Journalism by the College of Arts and Letters (2024).
Achieved Dean’s List
honors during final four consecutive semesters.