Dear Friends,
We are excited to announce that Lean Camara has been promoted to chief executive officer of The New Bedford Light, effective today. Lean brings to the job deep local roots, extensive experience running community-based nonprofits, and a heartfelt dedication to The Light’s mission of in-depth, independent journalism.
Lean’s promotion to CEO, from chief administrative and strategy officer, has been many months in the making as Founding Publisher Steve Taylor transitions back to the retired life he enjoyed before devoting himself to The Light’s creation in April 2021. Steve has worked tirelessly to bring high-impact journalism to the New Bedford region. He has been essential to our success. We are forever grateful, and we look forward to his full engagement as The Light continues to grow and evolve.
Both Steve and Founding Editor Barbara Roessner, who stepped aside from day-to-day operations of The Light earlier this month, will remain active members of our board of directors and ardent ambassadors for our mission of nourishing the civic life of New Bedford and beyond.
“Lean is a terrific leader and a strategic thinker,” Steve said. “I am thrilled that she has stepped up to this new challenge, and I am confident The Light is in excellent hands as we move into the next phase of our development.”
Lean (pronounced Lee ANN) is a dynamo whose work ethic and dedication to supporting The Light’s in-depth journalism shine through her work every day. In her new role, she will lead the overall strategic vision, business operations and continued growth of our organization. Editor Andy Tomolonis, who leads our independent newsroom, will report to her.
Lean has worked with mission-based organizations for 20 years, holding various leadership roles at nonprofit organizations where she launched multifaceted initiatives, directed senior executive planning and built consensus among diverse stakeholders. For 11 years, she also operated a community health center consulting firm providing start-up, compliance, and grant-writing services, which secured more than $80 million in funding for clients. She has been an active volunteer at the Women’s Fund South Coast, including former chair of the fund’s Leadership Council. Lean holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ithaca College and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania. As a dual citizen with naturalized Portuguese citizenship status, she has a deep connection to her Portuguese heritage. She has lived in the New Bedford area, her birthplace, since 2010.
“I couldn’t be prouder to be the next CEO,” Lean said. “I am thrilled to be able to leverage both my journalism background and nonprofit experience on behalf of such a critically important community organization.”
We, too, are thrilled. On behalf of the entire board of directors, congratulations Lean!
Daniela Melo
Chair, Board of Directors