Washington Post taps Thompson as ME for diversity and inclusion

The Washington Post has named Krissah Thompson as managing editor for diversity and inclusion.

In her new role, Thompson will be responsible for ensuring significant, consistent progress on diversity and inclusiveness in every activity, and will also oversee coverage of race, ethnicity and identity as well as improved recruitment, retention and career advancement for journalists of color.

Thompson already serves as an informal newsroom adviser on matters of coverage and is also a highly valued contributor to discussions about political coverage where she has advised on pieces in numerous sections.

Previously, she has also served as politics assignment editor in Style, overseeing many of the Post’s highly read stories. She has also worked as a national staff writer at the publication writing enterprise stories.

In addition, she has also covered business for the Post.

Executive features editor Liz Seymour notes:

“Reporters flocked to Krissah to talk out ideas and read story drafts. Editors collaborated with her to drive coverage, and managers sought her advice on hiring. She is beloved by the most experienced writers and the youngest staffers, many of whom consider her a mentor and informal career coach. She is well-respected for both her deep and broad journalism skills and her overwhelming kindness.”

Thompson joined the Post as an intern and subsequently a financial writer after graduating from the University of Texas-Austin.