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Monica Richardson is the first black editor in the Florida newspaper’s 117-year history.
U.S. publishing company McClatchy has appointed Monica R Richardson to head its Florida newsrooms, making her the first editor-in-chief of the Miami Herald in the newspaper’s 117-year history, the company said on Monday in a statement.
Richardson, who is currently senior editor of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, will join the Miami Herald on January 1, the newspaper reported. She has expertise in metropolitan reporting and a specialization in digital news.
“We are delighted to welcome Monica to Miami,” said Kristin Roberts, senior vice president of news at McClatchy, in a statement. “She has a solid reputation for leadership in local journalism in one of the country’s major metro newsrooms. Now, she brings her commitment to responsible journalism and her track record of successful digital innovation to serving local audiences.
Richardson, 50, will focus on increasing the company’s audience and digital subscriptions, the company said. She will also oversee the Spanish edition of El Nuevo Herald and the Bradenton Herald, and act as regional editor for McClatchy in Florida.
“I am happy to work in a newsroom where journalism is the main mission of everything. This is what motivates me in my career. It’s passion, ”she says. “I wouldn’t come to Miami if I didn’t see this passion for journalism.”
During his 30-year career, Richardson worked for the Charlottesville Observer, Florida Times-Union, and Lexington Herald-Leader. She has spent the past 15 years in Atlanta, where she served as the newspaper’s digital editor before her promotion in 2018 to editor.
Richardson succeeds Aminda Marques Gonzalez, who ended a 10-year term as editor of the Miami Herald last month to join book publishing company Simon & Schuster.
She plans to use her digital experience to help accelerate the Miami Herald’s online transformation.
Richardson is a single mother, raising an eight-year-old adopted daughter.
Roberts and Miami Herald president Nancy A Meyer wrote in an email to staff that hiring Richardson was a “big step” for the paper.
“I don’t take this lightly,” Richardson said. “It means a lot to me. It means a lot to my family. It means a lot to my ancestors. I’m going to put on these shoes and work hard.
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