Skinner started her career with Mississippi Today in January 2017 as an education reporter. She has since become a senior staff member and has been promoted to the rank of vice-presidential in three years. Skinner will be the first woman to serve as editor of the organization. Adam Ganucheau (Mississippi Today’s interim editor in chief) said that Kayleigh has been crucial to Mississippi Today’s growth over the years. Kayleigh is a natural leader and has gained the respect of both her colleagues and readers. Her voice and perspective are vital for our newsroom as well as for our state. Skinner is a Canadian native who earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism at the University of Mississippi. She has been covering education in the South for six year. She has been a Mississippi Today reporter for six years, focusing on politics, education, and government and how they impact Mississippians’ lives. She was previously a staff reporter at The Commercial Appeal in Memphis and Chalkbeat in Jackson. She was a member the 2018 ProPublica and Ida B class. Wells Society Data Institute, and was part of the 2016 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Journalism Award winning team. It’s an honor to take on this role. It’s vital that Mississippians have news that informs and holds the state leaders accountable. Skinner stated that it was an honor to take on this role. “It’s important to have a range of voices at our table to shape our coverage. I look forward to working alongside Adam and Harvey as our first female editor.” Skinner will manage Mississippi Today’s Delta Bureau, lead education coverage, and work with Ganucheau to develop a broader editorial strategy.