Lauren Gustus

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT LAUREN GUSTUS

Lauren is a strategic news leader who today serves as Executive Editor of the first major metro news organization to become a nonprofit, The Salt Lake Tribune. She also serves as a coach in the Media Transformation Challenge at The Poynter Institute. Lauren previously led year over year growth in unique digital audience at McClatchy\'s flagship, The Sacramento Bee, as its executive editor/president. She also served as West Region Editor for McClatchy, with responsibility for staffing, budgeting, professional development and news operations across 10 news organizations in Idaho, Washington and California. Prior to her time at McClatchy, she successfully worked for passage of legislation that updated open records law in Colorado. As a digital pioneer, her award-winning teams have used a platform-specific approach to growing audience on social media, breaking news and enterprise work. She believes accountability journalism is at the core of what journalists do for local communities and reporting efforts she has steered - from Boise to San Luis Obispo - has driven policy change and made positive impact for individuals. As a newsroom leader, she encourages development and growth by providing regular and meaningful feedback, story and beat mapping sessions, mentoring and leadership opportunities. Originally from the Boston area, Lauren\'s journalism career started in Los Angeles following graduation from Pepperdine University. She has also worked in Fort Worth and Reno.