Marketing exec Deborah Caldwell to lead Religion News Foundation
In a unanimous vote, the Religion News Foundation’s board of directors has appointed marketing executive Deborah Caldwell as its CEO. In her new position, Caldwell will also be the publisher of Religion News Service. She has served as interim publisher of RNS since December, following the abrupt departure of Tom Gallagher that same month.
Before her career in marketing, Caldwell was a media executive and a journalist. She covered religion for two local papers and cofounded Beliefnet.com. She won multiple awards as a reporter, including a National Magazine Award.
In a press release, Caldwell called the appointment a great honor. “As I come full circle in my career, I am thrilled to bring all my experience together to serve an organization I deeply love and admire,” she said.
In her first 100 days, Caldwell plans to focus on fundraising, content strategy, and audience engagement.
“Throughout my professional career, I have seen the ways that people’s beliefs impact the world around us,” she said in a statement. “At a time when the entire globe is grappling with deep anxiety, we know that journalism can play an important role in providing clarity, insight and connection.” —Christian Century staff
