The Dallas Morning News Names Colleen McCain Nelson Executive Editor

Rhea-AI Summary

DallasNews Corporation (Nasdaq: DALN) has appointed Colleen McCain Nelson as the new Executive Editor of The Dallas Morning News, effective August 11, 2025. Nelson, a Pulitzer Prize winner, returns to the newsroom where she previously spent nearly 12 years as a writer. She currently serves as Executive Editor of The Sacramento Bee and California regional editor for McClatchy Media.

Nelson, 51, brings significant achievements to her new role, including leading The Sacramento Bee to several national and state journalism awards in 2024. She previously won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing at The Dallas Morning News and has extensive experience as a White House correspondent for The Wall Street Journal and as McClatchy's national opinion editor.

The appointment follows the departure of previous Executive Editor Katrice Hardy, who left in February 2025 to become CEO of The Marshall Project. Grant Moise, Publisher of The Dallas Morning News, emphasized Nelson's commitment to journalistic excellence and her experience in digital transformation as key factors in her selection.

Positive

• Appointment of a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist with 28 years of experience
• Strong track record of leadership, with Sacramento Bee winning multiple national and state journalism awards under her direction
• Deep familiarity with The Dallas Morning News from previous 12-year tenure
• Extensive experience in digital transformation and accountability journalism

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

+6.51%

1 alert

+6.51% News Effect

On the day this news was published, DALN gained 6.51%, reflecting a notable positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

DALLAS, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DallasNews Corporation (Nasdaq: DALN) announced today that Colleen McCain Nelson has been named Executive Editor of The Dallas Morning News, effective Aug. 11. Nelson, a Pulitzer Prize winner, returns to lead the newsroom where she spent nearly 12 years as a writer early in her distinguished career.

The 28-year journalist is the Executive Editor of The Sacramento Bee and the California regional editor for McClatchy Media. She leads the journalists in McClatchy’s five California newsrooms – The Sacramento Bee, The Fresno Bee, The Modesto Bee, The San Luis Obispo Tribune and the Merced Sun-Star.

She replaces Katrice Hardy, who left The News in February to become CEO of The Marshall Project.

Grant Moise, Publisher of The Dallas Morning News, said, “We conducted a nationwide search to find the best executive editor in the United States, and I am confident we found that leader in Colleen. Colleen is an outstanding journalist, and has been at the forefront of journalism’s digital transformation. We can’t wait to welcome her back to The Dallas Morning News.”

Under her leadership, Sacramento Bee journalists have won several national and state journalism awards. In 2024, Sacramento Bee journalists won a Sigma Delta Chi Award from the Society of Professional Journalists and earned honors as an IRE Award Finalist and as a runner-up in the National Headliners Awards. Most recently, journalists won six first-place awards at the California Journalism Awards.

Moise also remarked, “Colleen is relentlessly committed to journalistic excellence, and it has been clear throughout her career that accountability journalism, which is highly valued by our subscribers, is her top priority.”

Nelson spent more than a decade at The News, where she wrote about local, state and national politics as a reporter and later as an editorial writer and columnist. In 2010, Nelson and her colleagues at The News were awarded the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing, recognition for a series of editorials that condemned the stark economic and social disparity separating Dallas’ thriving northern half and struggling southern half.

“While my career has taken me to the West Coast and even the White House, I learned about the power of local journalism at The Dallas Morning News. The chance to build on The Dallas Morning News’ distinguished legacy, current momentum and innovative vision for the future is a singular opportunity in journalism.”

Nelson, 51, was raised in Salina, Kan., and is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Kansas. She started her career as a reporter at the Wichita Eagle and covered local and state government for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Before going to California, she was McClatchy’s national opinion editor- leading opinions for that organization’s 30 news organizations. She was vice president and editorial page editor of the Kansas City Star, which produced three Pulitzer finalists.

She previously worked as a White House correspondent for The Wall Street Journal and as a political reporter, chronicling two presidential campaigns. In 2016, she criss-crossed the country with Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. As a White House reporter, she wrote about the policies, politics and personalities in President Barack Obama’s administration, traveling the world with the president and vice president.

Nelson has served on the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and on the California News Publishers Association Board of Directors.

She’s a member of the Kansas Newspaper Hall of Fame and the University of Kansas Women’s Hall of Fame.

About DallasNews Corporation

DallasNews Corporation is the Dallas-based holding company of The Dallas Morning News and Medium Giant.

The Dallas Morning News, Texas’ leading daily newspaper, is renowned for its excellent journalistic reputation, intense regional focus, and close community ties. As a testament to its commitment to quality journalism, the publication has been honored with nine Pulitzer Prizes.

Medium Giant, an integrated creative marketing agency with offices in Dallas and Tulsa, works with a roster of premium brands and companies. In 2024, the agency earned top industry recognition, winning an AAF Addy and the AMA DFW Annual Marketer of the Year Award for Campaign of the Year, along with six prestigious Davey Awards. Medium Giant is a wholly owned business of DallasNews Corporation. For additional information, visit mediumgiant.co.

Contact:
Leona Allen
214-977-8942

FAQ

Who is the new Executive Editor of The Dallas Morning News (DALN)?

Colleen McCain Nelson has been appointed as the new Executive Editor, effective August 11, 2025. She is a Pulitzer Prize winner and currently serves as Executive Editor of The Sacramento Bee.

What are Colleen McCain Nelson's credentials and experience?

Nelson is a 28-year journalist who previously worked at The Dallas Morning News for 12 years, winning a Pulitzer Prize in 2010. She has also worked as a White House correspondent for The Wall Street Journal and held leadership positions at McClatchy Media.

When will Colleen McCain Nelson start her role at The Dallas Morning News?

Nelson will begin her role as Executive Editor on August 11, 2025.

Who did Colleen McCain Nelson replace at The Dallas Morning News?

She replaces Katrice Hardy, who left The News in February 2025 to become CEO of The Marshall Project.

What achievements has Colleen McCain Nelson had in her current role?

Under her leadership at The Sacramento Bee, journalists won a Sigma Delta Chi Award, became an IRE Award Finalist, earned runner-up in National Headliners Awards, and won six first-place California Journalism Awards in 2024.