News Council Appoints New Executive Director
The Minnesota News Council announced today the appointment of Sarah Bauer as its executive director. Bauer has served as the organization’s interim director following the retirement of Gary Gilson as executive director in December 2006.
“Sarah has clearly demonstrated the management skills and leadership qualities we were looking for in a permanent director, and she has a
thorough knowledge of the Council’s mission and operation,” said Ron Graham, chair of the organization?s board of directors.
Bauer has led the News Council through a 10-month transition period, during which she oversaw the expansion of News Council staff to include a Development Director. She has also worked to update and refine the News Council’s complaint procedures and led an effort that has resulted in a significant reduction in the organization’s operating costs.
Bauer first joined the Minnesota News Council in 2004 as an intern and soon became its operations manager. In 2005, Bauer helped institute a more tructured complaint process within the organization and played a key role in establishing the Council’s online complaint submission process. She was named Interim Director in December 2006.
“It’s a great honor to be able to lead this organization, which is the oldest independent News Council in the U.S.,” Bauer said. “In particular, I am looking forward to reaching out to media organizations and communities throughout the state, developing new programs and working to maintain the organization’s relevance in a time of great change in our industry.”
Bauer graduated summa cum laude from the University of Minnesota with degrees in journalism and philosophy. She also serves on the board of directors for the Minnesota Professional chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, and was recently appointed to its national membership committee.