When it was announced that The Dallas Morning News’ Executive Editor Katrice Hardy was taking another position, there were mixed emotions from people I talked with.
In a little over a month, while still calling Dallas home, she will assume the leadership, CEO position, at The Marshall Project, a nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization that “seeks to create and sustain a sense of national urgency about the U.S. criminal justice system.”
I’m appreciative of Katrice’s service during her tenure at The News and look forward to working with her in this new position.
Actually, it’s exciting because The Marshall Project, named after the Hon. Thurgood Marshall, is doing some great work!
Now back in 2021 when the award-winning journalist came to Dallas, to say that Katrice was a breath of fresh air was a definite understatement. She hit the ground running. There were times when I got tired just hearing about the grueling schedule she dealt with while running a newsroom during a pandemic, fielding hundreds of invitations and requests monthly, building relationships in communities with valid issues and concerns, and taking care of her family.
And we can not forget self-care! I told you she was smart, and she knows that she has to take care of herself in order to be of service and aid to others.
At Texas Metro News, together we were giving more of a voice to the voiceless and pooling our collective resources to benefit our communities.
Katrice has the receipts. She has the education, experience, temperament, spirit, ability, and heart.
Now she isn’t for the feint of heart, fickle, lazy, unethical, excuse-filled, caught up in your feelings, everyone gets a trophy or the why do I have to get up off my butt and work types.
And God forbid those who ask “Why can’t I work from home” when so many are not really working because they lack work ethic!
Sadly, however, we’re dealing with an abundance of the aforementioned. But I digress!
Before her arrival, The News entered into a mutually beneficial relationship with Texas Metro News that focused on content-sharing, training, marketing, and several other areas.
Under the leadership of Publisher Grant Moise, we’ve collaborated on stories, conducted a virtual town hall meeting, trained interns, and even shared or introduced sources for stories, further diversifying coverage.
Katrice came in and wholeheartedly embraced the collaboration, and she didn’t have to– she actually devoted her time to ensure a successful endeavor that has won praise and a national awarding.
It was easy to embrace her because she is smart, her journalistic skills and ethics are impeccable; she is spiritually grounded, and we share so many bonds that include being members of the National Association of Black Journalists and the International Women’s Forum.
We know that Katrice will be successful at The Marshall Project. She’s a rising star and she is leaving The News in a better place.
Katrice went and took The News places it had never been, she challenged her team and the community, and she showed respect for and interest in the readers. Thanks, Katrice, may this next chapter in your life be equally rewarding for you and your family!
