Caitlyn Kelleher

About Caitlyn Kelleher

My first babysitter was Tom Brokaw. Well, not really. But that is my family folklore.When I was an infant and my parents needed to get dressed for work, they often placed my infant seat on the floor in front of our television set and I watched The Today Show. In my world, Mr. Brokaw was a trusted face speaking directly to me. Now, decades later (I won’t say how many), as a journalist I strive to serve, as Mr. Brokaw did for me, as a reliable, trusted voice to my constituent communities.I am a news journalist who cut her teeth as a print reporter. I am particularly pleased and proud now to manage a Gannett digital team which brings the journalistic excellence of traditional community newspapers to our digital audience as we design and deliver community news for 21st century lifestyles. Gannett is no stranger to innovation. Gannett broke the mold 40 years ago with its flagship publication USA Today and its groundbreaking use of color and graphics to inform and excite readers. In 2021, Gannett is pushing innovation forward again with teams of specialists throughout the USA Today Network dedicated to enhancing the delivery of quality community news on multiple digital platforms.As manager of the New England Digital Optimization Team, I lead a group of specialists charged with producing high quality digital features tailored to the local communities and newsrooms throughout New England. We equip those newsrooms with the skills, training and resources to deliver community news through the devices found on nearly every desk and in nearly every pocket in the community. Our goal is to meet our audience where it is - at home, at work and at play. The excitement of this challenge is palpable. Today’s advances in technology and demand for instantaneous news are unmatched; and technology is not slowing down. Our digital teams will be on the cutting edge of news delivery. I’m thrilled for the opportunity and can’t help but appreciate how far we’ve come since the single-dimension of the old-school newspapers I once knew.

Experience

1. New England Region Group Editor

   USA TODAY Co., Inc.

   Jan 2023 — Present

   As Group Editor for the Center for Community Journalism—a nationwide leadership, editing, and planning structure supporting small and mid-sized newsrooms—I lead editorial strategy and operations across 11 local sites in Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. My focus is on empowering local editors, fostering strong community reporting, and building newsrooms where journalists feel supported, heard, and inspired.I work closely with local newsroom leaders to help them grow as editors and lead with confidence. I also collaborate with our region’s audience team to expand reach and deepen engagement, and partner with AI and automation teams to explore tools that make our journalism more efficient and impactful.Whether we’re covering immigration, civic growth, or local trials, I bring a values-driven, inclusive approach to editorial leadership—grounded in the belief that strong local journalism is essential to a healthy democracy and that great work happens when people feel trusted and supported. Focus areas:• Editorial strategy & newsroom innovation• Coaching & mentoring local editors• Audience development & engagement• AI-assisted journalism & automation tools• Press guidance & ethical standards• DEI-centered leadership & team culture

Education

• Lafayette College

  Bachelor of Arts, American Studies, Government & Law

  1999 — 2003

Skills

• Copy Editing
• Press Release Development
• Feature Articles
• Basic Level of Html
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Data Analysis
• Photography
• Interviews
• Publications
• Youth Mentoring
• Indesign
• Editing
• Newspapers
• Layout
• Marketing Communications
• Research
• Basic Knowledge of Photoshop and Indesign
• Google Analytics
• Photoshop
• Editorial
• Newspaper
• Writing
• Data Visualization
• Journalism
• Tableau
• Basic Level Photography and Multimedia Work
• Interviewing
• Storytelling
• Customer Service
• Reporting & Analysis
• Social Media