SABEW names new executive director

Kathleen Graham, a longtime journalism association executive, has been appointed executive director of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, the largest association of business journalists.

Graham comes to SABEW from Alfred Friendly Press Partners in Washington, D.C., where she served as executive director. During her leadership at Alfred Friendly, she oversaw a distinguished international journalism fellowship program and established long-term newsroom training partnerships. Prior to that, she worked for 17 years at the Radio Television Digital News Foundation in a number of positions, culminating in executive director.

“We are thrilled to have Kathleen join us as executive director,” said Marty Wolk, SABEW president and managing editor of MSN Money, in a statement.” I am convinced she will be a transformative leader for SABEW as we move into our second half-century.”

Graham brings with her a wealth of experience in journalism training, ethics programming, awards and development, all areas that were highlighted in a strategic review completed in 2013, SABEW’s 50^th anniversary year. Among her many accomplishments was the creation of RTDNF’s flagship journalism ethics program, which included a revision of the group’s code of ethics and programs in dozens of markets that gave journalists and their audience a chance to discuss ethical considerations.

“It is a great honor to lead a prestigious organization that stands for excellence and ethics in business journalism.” Graham said in a statement. “I look forward to using my background in journalism programming, non-profit administration and fundraising to continue to grow the organization and advance the important mission of SABEW.”

Graham was hired after a nationwide search conducted by a special Board of Governors committee co-chaired by Lisa Gibbs, business editor of The Associated Press, and Beth Hunt, manager of editorial operations for American City Business Journals.

“I want to give special thanks to Lisa, Beth and their committee for their hard work in recruiting candidates for this challenging position,” said Wolk. “I also want to thank Renee McGivern for her excellent work as interim executive director.”

Graham will be in New York this week attending SABEW’s fall conference at CUNY’s Graduate School of Journalism. “This is a great opportunity to speak with SABEW members about the future and attend sessions highlighting best practices in business journalism.” Graham said.

Graham succeeds Warren Watson, who served as SABEW executive director for five years.