Robert Salladay to take over as CIR’s new editorial director

Robert SalladayRik Keller

The Center for Investigative Reporting announced today that Robert Salladay will become the new editorial director.

Salladay, who has been with CIR since 2009, was previously the managing editor and has been the primary editor of some of CIR’s most decorated and innovative projects. He was the principal editor of On Shaky Ground and Broken Shield, which each were Pulitzer Prize finalists.

In addition, projects Salladay has managed have won CIR’s first national Emmy and four Investigative Reporters and Editors awards.

“Bob Salladay has been instrumental in editing, managing and bringing home some of CIR’s most successful investigations,” said Robert J. Rosenthal, CIR’s executive director. “He’s a leader in our newsroom, and I have complete confidence that he will succeed in his new role. He has the trust and respect of CIR as well as our partners.”

“I’m very excited to take on this new role at CIR and lead our incredible newsroom,” Salladay said. “We create hugely impactful work here at CIR, and I’m looking forward to working with the team on finding new ways to tell powerful investigative stories that change lives.”

“Bob’s outward calm and uncompromising professional resolve mix perfectly with a deep intellect, rich creativity and abiding passion for the highest standards of investigative journalism,” said Phil Bronstein, CIR’s executive chairman. “Having watched his progression as a journalist at the San Francisco Examiner and San Francisco Chronicle, it’s profoundly satisfying and encouraging to see him take the editorial helm at CIR. He embodies the intersection of best historical practices and the kind of innovative thinking that will assure a rich future for investigative reporting.”

Salladay takes over from Mark Katches, who has accepted the role of vice president of content for the Oregonian Media Group and editor of The Oregonian. Katches’ last day will be in mid-July.

“I can’t personally thank Mark enough for all he has done to help CIR get to where it is today,” Rosenthal said. “When I first met Mark five years ago, we shared a vision about where CIR could go. I, along with everyone else at CIR, wish Mark and his family all the best in his new adventure.”

Prior to his work at CIR, Salladay covered California politics and government for more than a decade, including as a reporter for the Los Angeles Times. His coverage included the 2000 presidential recount, the California gubernatorial recall election, the administration of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and analytical and investigative pieces about the state. He also has worked for the Oakland Tribune, San Francisco Examiner and San Francisco Chronicle. A California native and graduate of UC Berkeley, Salladay received a master’s degree from Northwestern University.