Bianca Strzalkowski, long-serving Editor-in-Chief of U.S. Military Publishing (USMP), has been named “Editor of the Year” by Niche Media Events. The honor was announced at the 2026 Nichee Awards ceremony in Orlando, Florida.
The 2026 Nichee Awards brought together 300 industry leaders to celebrate excellence across niche media. Each attendee received a custom trophy, reinforcing the event’s focus on honoring the people behind successful media brands.
This recognition adds to a long list of accolades for both Strzalkowski and USMP. In 2011, she was named Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year for her extensive community involvement. Under her editorial leadership, USMP has received national recognition, including being named “Media That Matters” by Editor & Publisher magazine and earning the #1 spot on Feedspot’s 2026 list of the “Top 25 Military Magazines.”
Strzalkowski is a Marine Corps veteran spouse, a mother, and an avid runner. She has strong connections to Southern Maryland through the military community surrounding Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
“Curating magazines for such an impactful audience is a team sport,” Strzalkowski said. “Our small team accomplishes such a demanding production schedule by relying on the talent from editors, freelancers and photographers who have a personal connection to the military and veteran space. There is no greater privilege for me than making the rockstars of this military community the main celebrities of our covers, stories and bylines — they deserve to be brought into the light, and we strive to do that with every single issue.”
“Bianca’s contributions to USMP are remarkable — from her exceptional editing and strong writing to her leadership, team management, design oversight, and ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously,” said owner and publisher Julie Miller. “She is a true powerhouse. She is also deeply connected within the military community, both professionally and personally. The relationships she has built over many years have played a key role in making her the standout leader she is today.”
The award comes as USMP continues to serve military families and veterans across the country, including the large concentration of service members and their families in St. Mary’s County. Southern Maryland’s proximity to Pax River makes publications like USMP especially relevant to local readers who value stories highlighting the sacrifices and achievements of those who serve.
The Nichee Awards served as both a celebration and a reminder that niche media continues to thrive through strong leadership, creativity and deep audience connection. Strzalkowski’s recognition highlights the important role specialized publications play in telling authentic military stories.
