Kristen Mulvihill

Kristen Mulvihill. An American journalist, author, and communications executive known for her work in narrative non-fiction and strategic communications. She co-authored the bestselling memoir Heart of a Soldier with her husband, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist James B. Stewart. Mulvihill has held prominent editorial and communications roles at major media organizations and non-profits, including serving as the first Director of Communications for the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Early life and education

Mulvihill grew up in California and pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley. She later earned a master's degree from the prestigious Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, a program renowned for producing leading figures in American media. Her academic background in journalism provided a foundation for a career focused on in-depth reporting and storytelling, which would later intersect with the work of notable figures in the field.

Career

Mulvihill began her professional career as a journalist, working as a staff reporter for The Wall Street Journal where she covered significant business and financial stories. She transitioned into editorial roles, serving as an articles editor for SmartMoney magazine, a publication formerly owned by Dow Jones & Company. Her expertise in narrative non-fiction led to a key collaboration with her husband, James B. Stewart, on the book Heart of a Soldier, which tells the story of Rick Rescorla, a hero of the September 11 attacks. Shifting into strategic communications, Mulvihill served as the Director of Communications for the Committee to Protect Journalists in New York City, advocating for press freedom worldwide. She later applied her skills in the corporate sector, holding executive communications positions at American Express and Goldman Sachs.

Personal life

Mulvihill married journalist and author James B. Stewart in 2000. Stewart, a former front-page editor for The Wall Street Journal and a recipient of the Pulitzer Prize, is known for books like Den of Thieves and Blood Sport. The couple has two children and resides in New York City. Their personal and professional partnership was notably deepened through their collaborative work on Heart of a Soldier, which required extensive research and interviews, including with Rescorla's widow, Susan Greer.

Publications

Her primary publication is the bestselling non-fiction book Heart of a Soldier (2002), co-authored with James B. Stewart. The book, published by Simon & Schuster, received widespread critical acclaim for its poignant portrayal of courage and sacrifice. It was featured on bestseller lists including The New York Times Best Seller list and was adapted into a television film. Mulvihill's journalistic work has also appeared in major publications such as The Wall Street Journal and SmartMoney magazine, covering a range of topics from finance to human interest stories.

Awards and recognition

The book Heart of a Soldier, which Mulvihill co-authored, was a finalist for the PEN Center USA Literary Award. Her work in communications for the Committee to Protect Journalists contributed to the organization's mission, which has been recognized with awards like the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. Her career trajectory, moving from award-winning journalism to executive roles at influential institutions like Goldman Sachs and American Express, itself represents a significant professional recognition within the fields of media and corporate communications.

Category:American journalists Category:American non-fiction writers Category:Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism alumni Category:University of California, Berkeley alumni