USA TODAY promotes Silva, Portman to managing editors

USA TODAY journalists Cristina Silva and Jennifer Portman have been promoted to managing editor positions and will lead the national news desk.

Silva, currently a deputy managing editor for enterprise, and Portman, currently a senior editor for enterprise, have led significant, award-winning coverage at USA TODAY on a variety of subjects. In their new roles as managing editors, they will direct all operations that fall under the Nation desk. That team is responsible for coverage of national breaking news and a wide range of issues such as health care, education and climate change.

“We’re excited to have Cristina and Jennifer leading our Nation desk, which covers so many significant news stories and many important issues confronting our nation. They’re incredibly talented journalists and strong leaders who care deeply about their teams and the coverage we give to readers every day," said Jeff Taylor, executive editor and vice president/news & investigations.

USA TODAY is the flagship publication of Gannett, which also owns local news operations in 45 states.

Silva currently leads enterprise teams that cover education and beats focused on social justice, equity and inclusion, and immigration. Before joining USA TODAY in 2018, she worked as News Director at Newsweek. She also worked previously in editing and reporting roles at the International Business Times, The Associated Press, The St. Petersburg (now Tampa Bay) Times, The Boston Globe and the Miami Herald.

“It is a true honor to help guide and support the dozens of talented editors and reporters that make up this incredible staff," Silva said. "The Nation team tirelessly serves readers across the United States, delivering distinctive, ambitious stories on the most important topics facing Americans. I am proud to work with them.”

Portman leads enterprise teams focused on health care and climate change and has been the lead editor on COVID-19 coverage. Before joining USA TODAY in 2019, she served as news director at the Tallahassee Democrat and in editing and reporting roles at the Springfield News-Leader in Missouri and the Wilmington News-Journal in Delaware.

“I’m thrilled to take on this new role with USA TODAY and work with Cristina and our talented Nation team to bring our readers top-notch journalism that informs and improves their lives,” Portman said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USA TODAY promotes Silva, Portman to managing editor positions