Access Intelligence CEO Heather Farley showcased the benefits of a career in B2B media during a two-day, guest-lecturer stint at Northwestern’s Medill.

By Ronn Levine 

One of the highlights of BIMS every year is the awarding of the prestigious McAllister Top Management Fellowship residency. Heather Farley, CEO of Access Intelligence, was named the recipient in New Orleans in April—for “guiding Access Intelligence’s dynamic transition from a traditional B2B media provider to an integrated global media platform company.”

Last month at Northwestern’s Medill, Farley “got down to business, speaking to six classes in two days,” reports Abe Peck, Medill’s director of B2B communications.

“Heather provided insights across those integrated marketing and journalism classes, and also with faculty, students, and the dean,” Peck told us. “Practicing what B2B preaches, she customized her presentations and generously engaged students in and out of the classroom.”

Farley was clearly moved by the unique experience. 

“It was an incredible honor to speak with the Medill students about the exciting career opportunities in B2B media—from business strategy and interactive storytelling to video journalism and feature writing,” she said. 

“Spending time with such talented, curious students and insightful faculty was both energizing and inspiring. Experiencing the future of media through their eyes reminded me just how dynamic and vital this industry continues to be.”

Previous Top Management Fellowship honorees include Elizabeth Green, founder emeritus, VetMedux, in 2022; Industry Dive co-founder Sean Griffey in 2023; and EndeavorB2B CEO Chris Ferrell last year. 

Yubin Zhang, an Integrated Marketing Communications senior, is interning for EndeavorB2B after meeting Ferrell there last year.

“The McAllister fellowship is designed for dynamic CEOs who can reinforce and enrich curricula that are evolving as fast as the sectors that they lead and serve,” added Peck.

The Fellowship is endowed by Mr. and Mrs. Donald McAllister, Jr. and Ms. Liane E. McAllister, in honor of the late Donald McAllister, Sr., who was American Business Media’s chairman and an active figure in specialized business media for over 70 years until his death in 1993. Fellows are selected by SIIA Media and Peck.

Abigail Foerstner, director, Health, Environment and Science Specialization, Medill, offered her appreciation to Farley. “Thank you so much for your compelling presentation and great advice,” she said. “Many students are interested in reporting at a level of technical virtuosity that B2B publications offer.”

We look forward to the next McAllister ceremony at BIMS 2026, Feb. 2-3, back in New Orleans. See all the information on BIMS 2026 here.