My first column at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. An excerpt: “I come to the @ajcnews with curiosity, the knowledge that I have a lot to learn, and the willingness to be a part of the community. I am thankful to my colleagues and community members who have welcomed me here.”
I am incredibly excited about working to achieve an ambitious vision and to lead efforts to make opinion at the AJC more digitally focused and community-centered. Please support the local journalists in your community, and I encourage you to develop a “citizenship mindset” to engage your neighbors, speak up about the things you care about, and seek to debate without dehumanizing the other.
#Atlanta #Georgia #PeachState #journalism
Weekend fun: Celebrating our nephew’s high school graduation, honoring (early) our mother’s 80th birthday, watching a great Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performance of John Williams’ music and connecting with dear Nashville friends in Midtown Atlanta.
I got to reconnect with one of my favorite journalists today: Katrice Hardy, CEO of The Marshall Project. I attended the start of The Just Fund and The Marshall Project’s “The South & The Next 250.” Tonight began with a documentary presentation and a panel discussion on crime and punishment. I’m eager to attend the full day’s conversation tomorrow on examining how we look at criminal justice, reform and storytelling.
This past long weekend, we traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary, a date we will officially celebrate later this month. We wanted a beach, fresh seafood, local history and great hospitality. We were not disappointed.
Our adventure included a tour of the rain forest (El Yunque), historic sites (El Morro de San Felipe y San Cristobal), lots of walking, beach and pool time, and enjoying seafood and adult beverages in local businesses in Condado, Santurce and the metropolitan area. We learned a lot about local culture and plan to return.
I have a great traveling companion and we met a lot of people, engaging in fun conversations about life and love. The last day of our trip coincided with the birthday of my dad, who would have turned 95 today. ¡Feliz cumpleaños, Papi!
@coquidelmarguesthouse #sanjuan #puertorico
Congratulations @ajcnews on @atlpressclub awards received last night showing a breadth of coverage: food, sports, video and politics. We also had several nominations in other categories too.
The event began with a tribute to media legend Ted Turner who passed away earlier that day. Proud to work with these incredible journalists.
Bonus: it was my first time at @atlgathers - cool venue!
Today marks one year since I started at @ajcnews - I’ve been doing a lot of writing, running and exploring - and I’m so thrilled to be here.
Keep up with me and other voices on AJC.com/opinion and I invite you to be a part of the conversation on the ultimate platform for insights, debates and discussions in metro Atlanta, Georgia and the South.
#Atlanta #AJC #Georgia #happyanniversary #thesouth
First-time Peach 🍑 State voters. We voted early at a local public library for Georgia’s May 19 primary election - no line. We had our sample ballots in hand after doing our research. The poll workers were courteous, friendly and helpful. If you want to learn more about the candidates and issues, check out @ajcnews voter guide. Now on to brunch!
#georgia #voting #atlanta #civicdutydone🗳✔️🇺🇸
Ten years ago this week, I ran my first and only marathon. It was a bucket list item I checked off a few months before my 40th birthday. Over the last decade, I’ve endured multiple injuries, been in and out of shape, and finally took time to get help for anxiety issues. This year, as I prepare to turn 50, my goal is not anything as remarkable as a marathon, but it’s about keeping daily discipline with the goal of achieving the best physical, mental and spiritual health of my life. I’m encouraged by my annual physical this week that the work is paying off. Here’s to our health, friends!
From last night: I love a combo of good conversation, deep learning and a great view. At the Axios event on AI in downtown Atlanta presented by WGU.
#atlanta #ai @westerngovernorsu@axios
It was a privilege to attend the @aceseditors banquet Friday night featuring my friend and a journalist I’ve long admired - @hollisrosstowns - as the keynote speaker.
He had the challenge to talk about the impact of AI on editing to a room full of copy editors, but he nailed it. Key points: Editors will succeed if they learn the tools, keep the focus on the reader because they care even if machines don’t, and reframe their role to become protectors of credibility.
This also demonstrates the importance of developing and maintaining relationships in our industry over the long term. Hollis and I first met over 20 years ago when I was working in Fort Myers, FL. I would visit him and his newsroom on a project at his former newsroom in Asbury Park, NJ. And we would occasionally see each other at the old HQ in McLean, VA. I’m glad he’s back in the Southeast as COO of Deep South.
Back at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for Fiesta Sinfónica: a celebration of Latin American music.
The musicians are playing works by Roberto Sierra, Pacho Flores, Arturo Márquez, Silvestre Revueltas and Astor Piazzolla.
The conductor is Giancarlo Guerrero. He led the Nashville Symphony for 16 years.
@atlantasymphony
