New gig for Philly Inquirer’s Kerkstra

Patrick Kerkstra has been named managing editor for content strategy at the Philadeplhia Inquirer. He recently served as the Inquirer’s managing editor.

In his new role, Kerkstra said he will be “focusing intently on our digital storytelling.” “I’ll also be working with editors to develop coverage plans for the year ahead and supporting many of our big projects,” he added. “The hope is this yields even better journalism that really centers reader needs.”

Kerkstra previously worked at the Inquirer as a staff writer from 1999 to 2010, covering various beats, including higher education and development. He later on served as the deputy editor and editor-in-chief of Philadelphia Magazine.

From there, he rejoined the Inquirer as managing editor for digital content, before being promoted to the post of managing editor.

“I’m very eager to focus my full energy on our journalism and storytelling,” Kerkstra said. “In this new role, I’ll work closely with Inquirer editors and journalists to better serve Philadelphia’s communities, and with my colleagues across the company to create products that meet audience needs.”