Triangle Media Partners is proud to announce a new chapter in its leadership.
Nineteen years ago, Dan Shannon and Ellen Shannon started a magazine company at their dining room table in Chapel Hill’s Southern Village neighborhood, producing the first publication of Chapel Hill Magazine. Their business partner, Rory Gillis, purchased Triangle Media Partners this week, assuming sole ownership as its president.
Gillis joined the company – formerly Shannon Media – in 2009 and has played a key role in its growth, excelling in sales, management, event production and the launch of innovative enterprises like Triangle Digital Partners in 2019. Triangle Media Partners has tripled in size since 2020 under the joint leadership of Gillis and Ellen Shannon, expanding its custom publishing, digital audience and portfolio with the addition of two companies: Triangle Digital Partners, a digital agency founded by Gillis, and the purchase of Heart of NC Weddings, a multimedia product that serves engaged couples in the Triangle and across the state.
Gillis plans to continue the legacy set forth by her late partner, Dan Shannon, who passed away in September 2024, and Ellen Shannon, the former managing partner of Triangle Media Partners. She aims to expand TMP’s magazine, digital and multimedia capabilities while growing products that offer regional lifestyle content to help people live their best lives in the Triangle.
“I’ve been preparing for more than 15 years to lead this organization,” Gillis says. “Dan and Ellen [Shannon] started something so special, and this story of transition celebrates mentorship, partnership and the power of women in business, following the remarkable journey of a small media company that has prospered for 20 years, even through the digital revolution and a global pandemic.”
“This transaction has been a real testament to the relationship that Rory and I have built,” Ellen Shannon adds. “This transition will be seamless, and she knows I’m here to support her and cheer her on every step of the way as she evolves the organization. Dan and I always wanted Rory to be the next owner and leader of the company.”
Gillis became a minority partner in 2018 after launching several products and services within the Triangle Media umbrella to increase revenue, profit and customer satisfaction while keeping the organization relevant to marketers’ needs. Reflecting on the company’s success, Gillis says, “We have a solid foundation of great products, 25 devoted staff members and 900 clients who enable us to produce high-quality, thoughtfully creative content and marketing services that fulfills a meaningful purpose in our community: to foster connections and help our residents and visitors live their best lives here.”
Looking ahead, Gillis plans to enhance the company’s multimedia products to meet evolving audience preferences. “Our goal is to expand our multi-platform approach to content, serving both readers and marketers,” she says. Growth remains a priority: “I already have our next launch percolating, which will support the influx of new residents to the Triangle. But first, we’ll focus on growing our efficiencies and developing our leadership team.”
Triangle Media Partners, the parent company of Chapel Hill Magazine, Durham Magazine, Chatham Magazine, Triangle Digital Partners, Heart of NC Weddings and The Triangle Weekender, is a community partner that sponsors more than 50 nonprofit initiatives per year, and its team serves on numerous committees and boards, as a core value of TMP is to investing in our communities. Gillis currently sits on The Chamber For a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro board, and Ellen Shannon is vice chair of the Durham Tech Foundation board.
“We will continue to support the community with our time, talents, content and marketing,” Gillis says. “Our success is tied to the success of the people and community around us. Triangle Media Partners represents a celebration of placemaking, and it always has. I have an amazing team who is committed to leading this organization into the future.”
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About Triangle Media Partners
Founded in 2006 by Dan Shannon and Ellen Shannon, Triangle Media Partners began with the launch of Chapel Hill Magazine. Over the years, the company has expanded to include Durham Magazine, Chatham Magazine, Heart of NC Weddings, The Triangle Weekender, digital agency Triangle Digital Partners and custom publications such as Spark Insider magazine for Durham Public Schools and the Durham Performing Arts Center program.
Rory Gillis joined the company in 2009 as a junior sales representative and quickly rose to leadership, later founding Triangle Digital Partners in 2019. Today, Triangle Media Partners connects audiences through a diverse portfolio of magazines, websites, events, newsletters and social platforms, fostering meaningful engagement and celebrating the vibrant community of the Triangle region.
The company has been owned and operated solely by Dan Shannon, Ellen Shannon and Rory Gillis. The business is now a 100% female-owned organization by Rory Gillis and an Orange County Living Wage employer.