Jim Brady joins the American Journalism Project’s Board of Directors; Irving Washington named Chair

Announcements

The American Journalism Project today announced the appointment of Irving Washington as board chair and welcomed Jim Brady, a longtime leader in digital media and local journalism, to its board of directors. These updates reflect the organization’s continued commitment to strengthening local news through experienced, mission-driven leadership.

Jim Brady

Brady brings decades of experience leading and supporting digital-first news organizations. He is vice president of journalism at Knight Foundation, where he helps guide investments in the future of local news with a focus on sustainable business models. Previously, he held leadership roles at The Washington Post, Digital First Media and Spirited Media.

“Local news is the lifeblood of healthy communities, and the American Journalism Project plays a critical role in ensuring its sustainability,” Brady said. “It’s essential to have strong, forward-thinking leadership guiding these efforts. I’m honored to join the board and contribute to strengthening local news across the country.”

Washington, an industry leader in journalism, health and philanthropy, has been named board chair. He has served on the board since 2018 and was previously vice chair. He is senior vice president and executive director of the Health Information and Trust Initiative at KFF and was formerly CEO of the Online News Association. As board chair, he will help guide the organization’s continued growth.

Irving Washington

“The American Journalism Project has been a driving force in reimagining what’s possible for local news,” Washington said. “I’m honored to step into the role of board chair and work alongside my fellow board members and AJP’s leadership to help accelerate our support for local news organizations at a critical moment for communities across the country.”

Joe Natoli, who has served on the board since 2019 and as board chair since 2021, will remain on the board. A longtime supporter of the American Journalism Project, he played a key role in guiding the organization’s growth during a pivotal period. He is executive vice president and chief administrative officer at Baptist Health South Florida and previously worked for Knight Ridder, Inc., where he served as chairman and publisher of the company’s largest newspapers, The Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News.

“It has been an honor to serve as board chair during such a transformative period for the American Journalism Project,” Natoli said. “Over the past several years, we have expanded our impact, supporting local news organizations nationwide and helping build a more sustainable future for journalism. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and look forward to continuing to contribute as a board member.”

In addition to Brady, Natoli and Washington, the American Journalism Project’s current board of directors includes:

  • Rosental Alves, Professor, Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas, University of Texas at Austin
  • Jelani Cobb, Dean and Henry R. Luce Professor of Journalism, Columbia Journalism School
  • Jeff Cohen, Executive Vice President of Communications, Arnold Ventures
  • Michelle De La Isla, CEO, Hack.Diversity, Former Mayor, City of Topeka, Kan.
  • Teresa Gorman, Associate Director, Public Square, Democracy Fund
  • Peter Lattman, Managing Director, Media, Emerson Collective
  • Hilary Schneider, Strategic advisor to the Board of Directors, Shutterfly
  • Maria Thomas, Startup Advisor/Investor and 
  • John Thornton, Co-founder, American Journalism Project; Founder, Texas Tribune; and Co-founder & Partner, Elsewhere Partners 

“These leadership changes come at a critical time for local news, as the American Journalism Project works to accelerate its rebirth across the country,” said Sarabeth Berman, CEO of the American Journalism Project. “Our board brings together a distinguished group of leaders with deep expertise in journalism, philanthropy, technology, and business — all committed to reimagining local news. With this exceptional group of leaders, we are set to deepen our impact and continue strengthening local news.”

About the American Journalism Project
The American Journalism Project is a venture philanthropy dedicated to local news. We believe in civic journalism as a public good and are reimagining its future by building a model to finance and sustain the local news our democracy requires. We make grants to local nonprofit news organizations to build their revenue and business operations, partner with communities to launch new organizations, and mentor leaders as they grow and sustain their newsrooms. To learn more about the American Journalism Project, visit theajp.org.

Media contact: Roshni Neslage, Head of Communications, American Journalism Project, media@theajp.org, 954-526-1565