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Dear Readers,

I am pleased and proud to announce that Karen Bordeleau — an extraordinary journalist with decades of award-winning success as a reporter, editor, and news executive — has been named executive editor of The New Bedford Light, effective Oct. 1.

Karen’s career stretches from The Providence Journal, where she was the first woman to be named executive editor and senior vice president, to Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, where she served on the leadership team and taught investigative reporting bootcamp and journalism ethics. She also taught reporting, ethics, and editing courses at Emerson College, Northeastern University and the University of Rhode Island for many years.

Karen is returning to the East Coast and is excited about living and working in New Bedford where she can channel her passion for high-impact journalism that makes a difference.

“I believe that the power of journalism can effect change and help transform a community,” she said. “Since its founding three short years ago, The New Bedford Light has already made a huge impact in this area. I am excited and grateful to be joining this incredibly dedicated team.”

Karen holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northeastern University and a master’s degree in political science and media studies from the University of Rhode Island. During her 19 years at The Providence Journal, she was a primary editor of many high-profile projects including “The Station fire” series, which was a 2004 finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in public service. She was named a Pulitzer juror in 2015 and 2016 and was inducted into the Rhode Island Journalism Hall of Fame in 2023. She is the recipient of the two highest journalism awards in New England: The Yankee Quill lifetime achievement award and the Judith Vance Weld Brown Spirit of Journalism Award given annually to the top woman journalist in the six-state region.

In her new role, Karen will be responsible for all aspects of The Light’s journalism, from leading our in-depth news coverage to extending our educational and community outreach. Karen’s appointment comes after a national search that drew candidates from news organizations across the country. Karen will work with Editor Andy Tomolonis, who has expertly piloted The Light newsroom since last summer, until his retirement in 2025.

Thanks to your support, The Light is at the forefront of a nationwide movement to bring high quality public service journalism to local communities. In addition to her impressive resume, Karen is an intuitive and inspiring leader. I have no doubt that she will take The Light to an even higher level of excellence.

Please join me in welcoming Karen to The Light!

Lean Camara
Chief Executive Officer