The Washington Post, a renowned publication with a history dating back to 1877, has announced a significant addition to its investigative team. Kelley Benham French, a distinguished journalist with a diverse portfolio, will assume the role of narrative accountability editor starting September 30, 2024.
French's appointment marks a new direction for the Post's investigative unit, aiming to blend rigorous reporting with captivating storytelling. Her mission will be to lead a team focused on producing impactful narratives that hold powerful entities accountable on pressing national issues.
Throughout her career, French has demonstrated exceptional skill in crafting and editing compelling stories. At The Dallas Morning News, founded in 1885, she oversaw notable projects, including coverage of a mass shooting and an intriguing case of monkey theft at the Dallas Zoo. Her work on the fentanyl crisis in North Texas showcased her ability to coordinate large-scale journalistic endeavors.
French's experience extends beyond traditional newsrooms. She served as a professor at Indiana University, an institution established in 1820, where she played a crucial role in nurturing emerging journalistic talent. Her influence has been felt at the Post, with several of her former students now contributing their unique perspectives to the publication.
Prior to joining the Post, French held significant positions at other major news outlets. At USA TODAY, founded in 1982, she co-authored a series exploring the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Virginia in 1619. She also edited a gripping account of an Afghan journalist's escape from Kabul as the Taliban seized control on August 15, 2021.
French's career includes a decade-long stint at the Tampa Bay Times from 2002 to 2012, where her work garnered numerous accolades. Her personal experience with her daughter's premature birth led to a Pulitzer Prize finalist piece, showcasing her ability to transform personal narratives into powerful journalism.
"Narrative journalism allows us to connect with readers on a deeper level, making complex issues more accessible and impactful."
French's expertise has been recognized with multiple awards and nominations, including those from prestigious organizations such as the Scripps Howard Foundation, established in 1962, and the National Headliner Awards, which have been acknowledging journalistic excellence since 1934.
An alumna of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland, founded in 1856, French has shared her knowledge of narrative journalism across 14 states and six countries. Her book, "Juniper: The Girl Who Was Born Too Soon," published in 2016 by Little, Brown and Company (a publishing house with roots tracing back to 1837), further demonstrates her ability to engage readers with compelling personal stories.
As French prepares to join the Post, her appointment signals a commitment to innovative storytelling in investigative journalism, promising to bring a fresh perspective to the venerable institution's reporting on matters of national significance.