The Lenfest Institute for Journalism’s Board of Managers has voted unanimously to elect LaSharah S. Bunting to the Board.
LaSharah is CEO and Executive Director of the Online News Association, a global membership organization advancing digital journalism, technology, and innovation. She joined ONA in 2023 with a vision to help lead digital innovation, support diverse local news ecosystems, and catalyze experimentation.
“For years, I have watched the incredible impact that The Lenfest Institute has had on local news, most notably their commitment and investment in sustainable solutions,” LaSharah said. “And I had the pleasure of working with the Institute staff during my time at Knight Foundation in our shared efforts to rebuild local news. I am honored to join the Board of Managers in this critical mission to ensure quality news and information and shape the future of local news.”
LaSharah was most recently a vice president and executive editor at Simon & Schuster, where she acquired and edited nonfiction titles, with a particular focus on deeply reported narratives that explore the complex issues of our time. She previously served as director/journalism at the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, where she managed grants and initiatives that accelerated digital and organizational transformation, advanced equity and inclusion, and boosted the development of new skills and expertise.
Prior to joining Knight, LaSharah worked for nearly 14 years at The New York Times, holding roles such as senior editor for digital transition, which involved leading a new team focused on implementing digital skills and organizational change across the newsroom. Before coming to The Times, LaSharah was an editor at The Dallas Morning News.
The Lenfest Institute supports sustainable local news enterprises through its focus on diversified revenue models, digital product development, and equity and representation. In addition to acting as the nonprofit, non-controlling, steward of The Philadelphia Inquirer the Institute provides grant funding, runs training programs, synthesizes best practices, and provides strategic advisory services to develop and disseminate sustainable solutions for the next era of local news.
“LaSharah is a nationally recognized leader in our field, and The Lenfest Institute is thrilled to add her expertise and perspective to the Board,” said Lenfest Institute Board Chair Rosalind Remer, senior vice provost and executive director, Lenfest Center for Cultural Partnerships at Drexel University. “Her deep commitment to local journalism will be a tremendous addition to the Board as we continue our work to build sustainable solutions for the next era of local news with our partners in Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania, and across the United States.”