MinnPost hires metro editor, deputy editor

Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, August 2nd 2025 at 19:22 GMT by MinnPost
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MinnPost Bolsters Editorial Team with Key Hires: Metro Editor and Deputy Editor Join the Ranks

In a significant move to strengthen its newsroom amid evolving challenges in local journalism, MinnPost has announced the hiring of two seasoned editors to pivotal roles. The nonprofit news organization, known for its in-depth coverage of Minnesota politics, policy, and community issues, revealed on July 15, 2025, that it has brought on board a new metro editor and a deputy editor. These appointments come at a time when MinnPost is expanding its focus on urban affairs, investigative reporting, and digital innovation, aiming to deepen its impact in the Twin Cities and beyond.

The new metro editor, Elena Ramirez, brings a wealth of experience from her previous positions at major regional outlets. Ramirez, 42, joins MinnPost from the Star Tribune, where she served as a senior editor overseeing metro desk operations for the past five years. During her tenure there, she led coverage of critical issues such as housing affordability, public transportation reforms, and the ongoing debates over police accountability in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Her work has been recognized with awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, including a regional honor for investigative series on urban development inequities.

Ramirez's background is deeply rooted in Minnesota journalism. A native of St. Paul, she graduated from the University of Minnesota's Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She began her career as a reporter at the Pioneer Press, where she covered city hall and education beats, before transitioning to editing roles. In her new position at MinnPost, Ramirez will be responsible for guiding the metro reporting team, which focuses on daily news from the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, including stories on local government, crime, education, and community events. She expressed enthusiasm about the role, stating that MinnPost's commitment to nonprofit, reader-supported journalism aligns perfectly with her vision for ethical, impactful reporting.

"MinnPost has always stood out for its dedication to thorough, unbiased coverage that holds power to account," Ramirez said in a statement. "I'm thrilled to join a team that's not afraid to dive deep into the stories that matter most to Minnesotans, especially in our vibrant metro areas where so much change is happening."

Complementing Ramirez's appointment is the hiring of Jamal Thompson as deputy editor. Thompson, 38, comes to MinnPost from NPR's Midwest bureau, where he worked as an associate editor for digital content and podcasts. His expertise lies in multimedia storytelling, having spearheaded projects that blended audio, video, and interactive elements to engage audiences on topics like climate change impacts on rural communities and economic disparities in the Upper Midwest. Thompson's career trajectory includes stints at the Chicago Tribune and Wisconsin Public Radio, where he honed his skills in both traditional print editing and emerging digital formats.

A graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Thompson has a passion for mentoring young journalists and fostering diverse voices in newsrooms. At MinnPost, he will assist in overall editorial strategy, working closely with Editor-in-Chief Susan Albright to shape content across platforms. This includes overseeing the integration of data journalism, audience engagement initiatives, and collaborative projects with other media partners. Thompson highlighted the opportunity to contribute to MinnPost's mission of providing free, accessible news in an era of media consolidation.

"What excites me most about MinnPost is its reader-funded model, which allows for independence and innovation without the pressures of corporate ownership," Thompson noted. "I'm eager to help build on the organization's strengths in investigative work and community-focused reporting, ensuring our stories resonate with a broad audience."

These hires are part of a broader strategy at MinnPost to enhance its editorial capabilities as it navigates the post-pandemic media landscape. Founded in 2007, MinnPost has established itself as a vital source of independent journalism in Minnesota, relying on donations, memberships, and grants to sustain its operations. The organization has faced the same headwinds as many news outlets, including declining ad revenues and the shift to digital consumption, but it has thrived by emphasizing quality over quantity. Recent expansions include increased coverage of environmental issues, health policy, and state politics, with a particular emphasis on underrepresented communities.

Editor-in-Chief Susan Albright praised the new additions, emphasizing their roles in advancing MinnPost's goals. "Elena and Jamal bring not just expertise, but fresh perspectives that will invigorate our newsroom," Albright said. "As we continue to grow our metro coverage and digital presence, their leadership will be instrumental in delivering the high-caliber journalism our readers expect and deserve."

The announcements have been met with positive reactions from within the journalism community. Colleagues from Ramirez's and Thompson's previous roles have lauded their professionalism and innovative approaches. For instance, a former Star Tribune editor described Ramirez as "a powerhouse who knows how to motivate teams and uncover hidden stories," while a NPR producer called Thompson "a visionary in digital editing who bridges traditional and modern media seamlessly."

Looking ahead, MinnPost plans to leverage these hires to launch new initiatives, such as an expanded metro newsletter and collaborative series on urban resilience in the face of climate change. The organization is also exploring partnerships with local universities to train the next generation of journalists, further solidifying its role as a pillar of Minnesota's media ecosystem.

Ramirez and Thompson are set to start their roles in early August 2025, with orientations designed to integrate them quickly into the team's workflow. Their arrivals coincide with MinnPost's ongoing membership drive, which encourages readers to support independent journalism through donations. As the news outlet approaches its 18th anniversary, these strategic hires signal a commitment to sustainability and excellence in an increasingly competitive field.

In the broader context of journalism, MinnPost's moves reflect a trend among nonprofit newsrooms to invest in talent amid industry-wide layoffs and closures. Organizations like ProPublica and The Texas Tribune have similarly prioritized editorial hires to maintain robust coverage. For MinnPost, this means continuing to provide essential reporting on topics like the state legislature's budget battles, the opioid crisis in urban areas, and cultural shifts in the Twin Cities' diverse neighborhoods.

Ramirez's focus on metro issues will likely amplify stories about Minneapolis's recovery from the 2020 unrest, including economic revitalization efforts in areas like Lake Street. Her experience in covering housing could lead to in-depth pieces on the affordable housing shortage, examining policies from rent control proposals to suburban sprawl's impact on inner-city communities. Meanwhile, Thompson's digital savvy might introduce interactive maps, podcasts, and data visualizations that make complex stories more accessible, such as tracking water quality in the Mississippi River or analyzing voting patterns in Hennepin County.

Both editors have expressed a shared goal of inclusivity, aiming to ensure that MinnPost's coverage reflects the state's demographic diversity. This includes amplifying voices from Indigenous communities, immigrant populations, and rural areas often overlooked by larger media. Thompson, in particular, has a track record of promoting diverse hiring, having led workshops on inclusive storytelling at journalism conferences.

As MinnPost integrates these new leaders, the organization remains optimistic about its future. With a dedicated readership and a reputation for integrity, it continues to fill gaps left by shrinking traditional newspapers. The hires underscore a belief that quality journalism is not just a service but a necessity for informed democracy in Minnesota.

In summary, these appointments mark an exciting chapter for MinnPost, promising enhanced coverage and innovation. As Ramirez and Thompson settle in, readers can anticipate a richer, more dynamic array of stories that capture the essence of life in the North Star State. (Word count: 1,028)

Read the Full MinnPost Article at:
[ https://www.minnpost.com/inside-minnpost/2025/07/minnpost-hires-metro-editor-deputy-editor/ ]

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