National Trust for Local News Announces New, Visionary Leader for the Georgia Trust for Local News

Cynthia DuBose, a seasoned journalist and media executive, will advance a growth model for journalism in Middle Georgia

Cynthia DuBose, Executive Director, Georgia Trust for Local News

The National Trust for Local News announced today that Cynthia DuBose, a veteran of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and McClatchy Media with extensive experience in driving transformative digital growth, will lead the Georgia Trust for Local News as its next executive director. 

DuBose takes the helm at a pivotal moment for the state’s largest independent newspaper company. As executive director, she will lead and advance the Georgia Trust’s general operations and business partnerships, while driving editorial, audience and advertising strategy; product innovation; and revenue growth. She will also lead the continued digital transformation of the Georgia Trust’s 20 community newspapers, which include some of the state’s most historic community assets, as well as a startup – The Macon Melody – that the trust launched in 2024 with Knight Foundation support.

“We’re thrilled to have Cynthia, a seasoned journalist and executive with a passion for local news, lead our vital efforts to build a thriving news organization and drive our next stage of growth in Middle Georgia,” said Tom Wiley, CEO of the National Trust for Local News. “Cynthia’s talents in building new digital products that drive audience growth, her hands-on leadership and mentorship experience, and her focus on executing bold ideas to strengthen local news pair well with our leadership team’s energy, direction and style.”

DuBose will take on the new role effective June 1. Interim Executive Director Danyale Starley will resume her role as controller for the Georgia Trust. Starley stepped into the interim position in January, following the retirement of DuBose Porter, a legend of the newspaper publishing business in Middle Georgia. Porter remains with the Georgia Trust in a publisher emeritus role focused on fundraising, partnerships and acquisitions. 

A Long Island native, DuBose attended Spelman College, where a journalism professor encouraged her to write for The Spelman Spotlight, for which she later became the editor.

“I fell in love with the opportunity to be able to tell stories and meet people and learn something different every day,” DuBose said.

DuBose landed her first job at her hometown newspaper, Newsday, following the completion of her master’s degree at Columbia University. In 2006, DuBose moved back to Georgia to work as a reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 

During her nine years with the AJC, DuBose worked in several digital and audience roles, rising to Senior Editor, Digital Presentation Team. She helped transform the AJC into a modern news operation, while driving digital revenue growth. 

Later, DuBose spent almost seven years at McClatchy Media, owner of 29 local news operations including the Miami Herald and The Telegraph in Macon, Georgia. At McClatchy, DuBose built audience, product and content monetization teams, rising to the role of Executive Vice President of Membership. 

While working with the Georgia Trust, DuBose will continue to serve as Lead Coach for the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism’s Executive Program in News Leadership and Innovation – a program she completed herself in 2022. 

DuBose said she looks forward to leading an organization dedicated to strengthening communities across the state through quality journalism and local engagement. She plans to apply her experience building digital products and growing audiences to the Georgia Trust, where she said she will emphasize building deep community connections. 

“Throughout my career, in every position I’ve held, I have always valued bringing coverage to local communities,” DuBose said. “I see tremendous opportunity for the Georgia Trust moving forward and will work tirelessly to ensure Middle Georgians have access to credible, community-centered news and information.”