Janelle Foskett, editor-in-chief of Lexipol’s FireRescue1, has received the prestigious Marianne Dekker Mattera Mentor Award in the 2024 Jesse H. Neal Awards. This award recognizes one distinguished editorial leader each year who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to mentoring and developing the next generation of editorial leaders.
With over two decades as an editorial leader, Foskett has had a significant and enduring impact on those she has worked with. Foskett has been developing impactful mentorship relationships since her earliest editorial work as the managing editor of her college newspaper. After nearly a decade working for FireRescue Magazine and four years as an editorial leader at Firehouse Magazine, Foskett took on the task of improving the news coverage, growing the range of editorial content and expanding the readership of FireRescue1, the leading industry news site for fire service leaders and professionals.
“I am truly humbled and honored to be recognized with this award. My passion for serving others, both our audience of fire service professionals and the editorial staff I am lucky enough to work with and mentor, has guided me throughout my career,” Foskett says. “The cycle of mentorship fuels itself: Belief, trust, confidence, skills—repeat. I’m thankful for those who have mentored me and look forward to seeing those I have mentored continue this cycle.”
At Lexipol, Foskett has built and maintained effective mentor-mentee relationships with her direct reports and individuals across the organization. Her commitment to believing in others, challenging them to be their best, and supporting them when and how they need has led to the continued success of editors, writers and even professionals outside the editorial sphere. Additionally, many FireRescue1 contributors are fire chiefs and firefighters with rich industry insight but little to no professional writing experience. Foskett effectively nurtures their ideas and works alongside them to balance FireRescue1’s writing standards with the contributor’s own unique voice. Foskett’s unwavering desire to see those around her excel is key not only to the success of FireRescue1 but also the individuals she mentors.
“Lexipol is proud of Janelle’s editorial leadership and commitment to mentorship,” said Rob Schneider, president of Lexipol Media Group. “Her expertise, vision and insight have provided strong direction for FireRescue1; helped many writers, editors and industry authors develop an effective voice; and lifted talented editorial staff and subject matter experts—along with FireRescue1—to new heights.”
The Marianne Dekker Mattera Mentor Award was presented to Foskett on April 26, 2024, at the annual Jesse H. Neal Awards Ceremony in New York.
