Word In Black names Ed Graves chief executive officer

I am honored to join the amazing team at Word In Black and our 10 publishing partners as we expand the publisher affiliate network and work together with our research sponsors.”

Ed Graves, chief executive officer, Word In Black

Word In Black has named veteran media executive Ed Graves as its new chief executive officer, bringing an experienced media leader to the organization as it enters its next phase of growth. Graves will lead efforts to expand Word In Black’s reach and impact while building expanded opportunities around its growing research and data capabilities, events and strategic partnerships.

Graves brings more than 25 years of media leadership experience to Word In Black, with a background that spans local journalism, publishing, digital growth, revenue development and strategic partnerships. He most recently served as CEO of New Mexico Magazine, where he led the business and creative strategy for the publication and its growing portfolio of digital, social and custom publishing products.

Launched in 2021, Word In Black was created by 10 Black publishers who saw an opportunity to combine the trust and deep community roots of the Black Press with the reach of a national news organization. Its mission is to equip Black Americans with information that is consequential to their lives, spark community dialogue and center the Black experience.

As CEO, Graves will work closely with Word In Black’s board of directors, publishers and staff to build on that foundation and position the organization for its next chapter. A key focus will be growing Word In Black’s Research, Data and Events initiatives, creating new ways to surface insights from Black communities, convene important conversations and develop sustainable revenue and partnership opportunities that support the organization’s mission and journalism.

“The Black Press has always offered something no mainstream organization can replicate — deep community trust, authentic relationships and a perspective rooted in lived experience,” said Larry Lee, Word In Black board chair. “Word In Black is turning that legacy into a new model of data-powered journalism, and we needed a leader who understood both the opportunity and what is at stake. We are confident Ed Graves is that leader. The board is proud to welcome him, and we are excited about what we will build together.”

Graves has spent much of his career helping media organizations navigate change while finding new ways to grow. At New Mexico Magazine, he oversaw three consecutive years of advertising revenue growth and expanded the publication’s digital presence through a new website, newsletters, social media, custom publishing and other initiatives. The International Regional Media Association named New Mexico Magazine its 2024 Magazine of the Year.

Earlier in his career, Graves served as senior group publisher for GateHouse Media in East Arkansas and spent a number of years with Gannett and USA TODAY Company. As senior vice president of Newspaper Affiliate Relations for USA WEEKEND Magazine, he worked with more than 600 newspaper affiliates and managed a budget of more than $20 million.

He also served as president and publisher of The Jackson Sun in Jackson, Tennessee, where he led the newspaper’s business operations and growth strategy. During his tenure, he helped drive significant growth in digital and commercial print revenue and was twice recognized as one of Gannett’s top 10 publishers with the company’s President’s Award of Excellence.

“I am honored to join the amazing team at Word In Black and our 10 publishing partners as we expand the publisher affiliate network and work together with our research sponsors. I look forward to leveraging Word In Black's unique, high-value research, data insights, and events that make a meaningful difference on issues affecting Black Americans,” Graves said.

Graves’ appointment comes at an important point in Word In Black’s evolution. With a strong national journalism platform in place, the organization is looking to its next chapter expanding its research and data work, developing events that bring communities, thought leaders and partners together, and creating new opportunities to turn the insights and trusted relationships of the Black Press into greater impact and sustainable growth.

About Word In Black:

Word In Black is a collaboration of 10 of the nation’s leading Black publishers, building on the nearly 200-year legacy of the Black Press. Launched in 2021, Word In Black produces national journalism, research and insights focused on issues that matter most to Black communities. Local Media Foundation incubated Word In Black for its first three years and helped guide its transition to an independent public benefit corporation. LMF continues to support Word In Black as a funding partner.

By bringing together the trusted voices and deep community connections of Black-owned media with a national platform, Word In Black delivers journalism, research, data and events that inform, elevate important issues and ensure Black perspectives and experiences are represented in the national conversation.

Media Contact:

Judi Terzotis, Interim CEO
judi.terzotis@localmedia.org