Dean Baquet

Dean Baquet is a journalist and editor who made his mark on journalism at a local level in New Orleans before rising to prominence at the Chicago Tribune and later The New York Times. His significant contributions to investigative journalism have been recognized with several prestigious awards, most notably the Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Journalism in 1988. Baquet's career path later led him to the Los Angeles Times, where he served as the managing editor and executive editor, demonstrating his leadership skills and commitment to journalistic excellence.

In 2007, Baquet returned to The New York Times, assuming the role of Washington bureau chief. Seven years later, he made history by becoming the first Black executive editor of The New York Times, a position he held from May 2014 until June 2022. During his tenure, Baquet earned recognition for his efforts to diversify the newsroom and amplify the voices of reporters and editors of color. He also publicly addressed and challenged anti-press rhetoric, particularly from former President Donald Trump.

Despite stepping down as the executive editor, Baquet continues to influence the field of journalism. He now leads a fellowship program dedicated to training young journalists in local investigative journalism. Over the years, Baquet has received numerous awards and honors for his work and leadership in journalism, including the Peter Lisagor Award for investigative reporting, the Chicago Tribune's William H. Jones Award for Investigative Reporting, and the Freedom of the Press Award from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. In addition, he has been recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the "35 most powerful people in New York media."