Nave will be the editor-in-chief. He was an original member the Mississippi Today editorial staff and has been news editor since August 2016. Nave’s leadership and commitment to fact-finding and reporting will help the organization achieve its editorial mission. It will also maintain the integrity it had under its founding editors Fred Anklam Jr., and Dennis Moore. Andy Lack, founder of Mississippi Today said that the goal of Mississippi Today was to be a training ground for journalists. “Ryan came to us with great experiences, but we have seen him develop into the kind of leader that is required to be strong, digital-first newsforce in our region.” Nave, a 15-year veteran in the journalism industry, worked at newspapers in Mississippi and Illinois, as well as his home state of Missouri. Before joining Mississippi Today, Nave worked as a news editor at The Jackson Free Press. He covered national, state, and local issues. He is the president of the Jackson chapter of The National Association of Black Journalists. He also regularly presents at journalism events across the country. Nave expressed gratitude for the trust he received from the board and the support he received from his newsroom colleagues. “Mississippi’s own Ida B. Wells spoke about the responsibility of journalists to use truth as a tool for reporting. I am grateful to have a team of smart, enthusiastic reporters who are eager to do daily enterprise, data-driven investigations and news features in every corner. Nave stated that she was excited to have the chance to guide our mission. Mary Margaret White, who previously served as the Marketing and Development Director for Mississippi Today, has been appointed editor-in-chief. Donna Barksdale (Mississippi Today chairman) said, “I am proud to have Mary Margaret assume leadership at Mississippi Today.” She is young and dynamic, with a high level of confidence and calm. She will be our leader into the future. We are lucky to have someone like her in our team.” White previously held leadership positions with Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) and Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). Next Stop Mississippi is her radio show. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in journalism and a Master’s in Southern Studies from the University of Mississippi. White is a member of the Mississippi Book Festival’s advisory committee and the Center for the Study of Southern Culture. “I love the state and have dedicated my professional career to public service. White said that she is proud to be in this position and work with a mission driven newsroom. Mississippi Today welcomes Erica Hensley and Michelle Liu to its staff. Bobby Harrison is Mississippi Today’s lead capitol reporter. Since 1995, he has been covering politics and state government for the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal. Harrison, a Jones County native worked multiple roles for the Daily Journal, including as a sports writer, sports editor, and news editor. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg. Erica Hensley is an investigative reporter and data journalist at Mississippi Today. Hensley holds a B.A. Hensley earned a B.A. in journalism at the University of Southern California, and a M.A. University of Georgia in medical and health journalism. Her writings have appeared in Rural Health Quarterly and WebMD, as well as Georgia Health News. Michelle Liu is a 2018 Report for America Corp Member and joins Mississippi Today to serve as a general assignment reporter. Liu is a graduate of Yale University. As a contributing journalist for the New Haven Independent, and through internships at The Toledo Blade and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, she gained valuable experience. Eric Shelton received a degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in photo journalism. Shelton was previously a photo editor at KDH Media Group in Killeen (Texas), prior to joining Mississippi Today. Shelton is also a member of the 2018 Report for America Corp. Mississippi Today will launch several new programs in conjunction with the staff announcements: * The Jungle, Mississippi Today’s Election podcast: Launching May 30,
This podcast series features Adam Ganucheau, host of Mississippi Today, and Mississippi Today’s political team. They discuss the 2018 midterm elections. We will talk to candidates, campaign officials, and political observers – giving you exclusive access to those involved in the most controversial election in Mississippi history. Subscribe to The Jungle on your favorite podcast app or listen online at MississippiToday.org/TheJungle * Mississippi Today Events
Our events series offers something for everyone–from taproom conversations to public newsrooms and journalism summits, we have it all listed at MississippiToday.org/Events