Ryan J. Rusak joins USA TODAY as opinion editor

Ryan Rusak

USA TODAY, part of USA TODAY Co. (NYSE: TDAY) announced that Ryan J. Rusak will join USA TODAY as opinion editor, effective Monday, Nov. 30. In this role, he will lead USA TODAY’s opinion strategy and coverage, overseeing editorials, columnists and guest contributors. He will also grow the audience for opinion content and evolve how we define engagement — expanding it to include video and off-platform audiences. Rusak will report to Monica Richardson, senior vice president of USA TODAY. 

Rusak joins USA TODAY from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, where he has served as opinion editor since 2019, leading opinion coverage and editorial strategy for one of Texas’ largest news organizations. During his tenure, he expanded the range of viewpoints featured in the section by recruiting local and regional voices and building content-sharing partnerships. He also led his team’s adoption of AI tools and helped develop guidelines for their ethical use. 

Previously, Rusak spent nearly two decades at The Dallas Morning News, including 10 years as political editor. He led coverage of three presidential campaigns, six national political conventions and three statewide races, while overseeing watchdog reporting that contributed to changes in laws and public policy. He also created a capital bureau fellowship focused on developing emerging journalists. 

“USA TODAY has a unique ability to bridge the gaps in our national conversation — right and left, national and local,” said Rusak. “Great opinion writing should be compelling, grounded in reporting and a pleasure to read. I’m excited to build a section that brings in a wide range of voices and gives readers a reason to come back and join the dialogue.” 

“Ryan is an exceptional journalist and collaborative editor who knows how to make opinion writing urgent, fair and engaging,” said Richardson. “He has a track record of growing audiences while maintaining impeccable ethical standards, and he’ll be a tremendous asset as we expand the range of voices and perspectives USA TODAY brings to readers.” 

Ryan graduated magna cum laude from Texas Christian University, with a Bachelor of Science in journalism.