Maggie Fusek, Patch Staff

Maggie Fusek Avants is an award-winning copy editor and journalist whose experience in the news business goes back to when she had a paper route in sixth grade. She went on to earn a degree in journalism as well as the title of "Distinguished Journalist of the Year" for the campus newspaper.

Since 2009, she has served as a local news editor for online and print publications. A member of the Society of Professional Journalists, Fusek Avants has been invited back to her alma mater to mentor new journalists.

She is now the Patch editor for Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Healdsburg, Napa Valley, Benicia, Pinole, Hercules, Martinez and Concord.

Fun Fact: She shares a birthday with William Shakespeare

Reach her at maggie.fusek@patch.com with news tips and story ideas.