Our Team

Lillian Ruiz,
Managing Partner

Lillian Ruiz is an experienced executive, strategist, and advisor specializing in mission-driven growth, organizational design, and collaboration architecture. She founded Ci-X Strategies to help organizations cut through complexity, align with their values, and operate at their highest potential. Her approach puts purpose first, ensuring that growth, culture, and strategy are always in service of the mission.

Ruiz previously served as co-founder and COO of the National Trust for Local News, where she led operational integration, deal execution and strategic planning for a groundbreaking funding and transformation model for civic information. She was also a co-founder and COO at Civil Media, where she co-founded one of the earliest experiments in decentralized infrastructure for public-interest institutions. 

Her advisory and research work has guided ecosystem development, philanthropic investments, and field-building efforts cited in national funding models for community and civic information. 

Ruiz serves as Board Chair of the Tiny News Collective, Board Treasurer for the North Carolina Local News Fund, and advisory board member to the Legal Clinic Fund for Local News. Lillian resides in Brooklyn and holds a degree from Wesleyan University.

Joshua Ackley,
Partner

Joshua Ackley is a communications and strategy executive who believes that the right story, told the right way, can change everything. With two decades of guiding organizations, campaigns, and leaders through growth and crisis, he brings a steady hand, sharp instincts, and a talent for translating complex challenges into strategies that move people.

Josh has led national campaigns at Girl Scouts of the USA and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, where he built award-winning teams, relaunched the iconic MDA telethon with Kevin Hart, and drove visibility that reached billions. At sustainability company Mori, he built the communications function from the ground up, guiding the organization through pivotal transitions and extensive growth.

Beyond institutions, he works with artists, authors, and political leaders, most recently shaping the communications strategy for a groundbreaking New York City Council campaign. His work has been featured in nearly every national news outlet, reflecting his belief that brand, voice, and reputation are strongest when rooted in authenticity and values.