He previously worked for the Chicago Sun-Times, Los Angeles Daily News, Akron Beacon Journal of Akron, Ohio, "The Virginian-Pilot" of Norfolk, Virginia, "The Daily Herald' in Arlington Heights, Illinois and the News Sun of Waukegan, Illinois.
Adee earned his first byline at the Waukegan News Sun at age 16,[2] where he covered high school sports.
While in the role, Adee was named to the 1999 "40 Under 40" list produced by Crain's Chicago Business[4] with his then-wife, Joycelyn Winnecke.
In 2006, Adee became associate managing editor for innovation[6] and was later promoted to vice president of digital in 2009.
In 2009, Adee created ChicagoNow, a blog network managed by Tribune Media Group.