Jay Payleitner is a long-time friend who has worked alongside NCF for nearly 30 years—most notably as producer and partner for our Today’s Father radio program, which aired from 1993-2016—and has contributed numerous articles to fathers.com. (See those archived below.)

Jay spent a decade at three Chicago ad agencies writing and producing commercials for airlines, eggs, Kroger, and Corona. He also led the creative team that named SunChips. Turning freelance, Jay spent two decades creating thousands of radio spots, specials, and PSAs for Prison Fellowship, Salvation Army, Red Cross, National Center for Fathering, and others. He served as Executive Director of the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative and speaks nationally on parenting. marriage, and finding your life purpose. Most notably, Jay has written more than 25 books including 52 Things Kids Need from a Dad, 52 Ways to Connect as a Couple, The Newlywed Year, and What If God Wrote Your Bucket List? His books have been translated into ten languages and sold more than one-half million copies. Jay and his high school sweetheart, Rita, live in the Chicago area where they raised five awesome kids, loved on ten foster babies, and are cherishing grandparenthood. There’s much more at jaypayleitner.com.