Center for Public Integrity managing editor Jim Morris will take over as interim CEO and remain in that position until a permanent replacement is named, the Center’s board of directors announced Monday.
Morris will take the reins from CEO John Dunbar on Dec. 1. Meanwhile, the board continues its search for a permanent replacement.
Dunbar, a 15-year Center veteran and CEO for the past two years, “responded to the call to lead the organization at a challenging time” and has “done a superb job,” having ushered the nonprofit news organization into a “period of strength and stability,” said board Chairman James Kiernan.
Morris has been with the Center 11 years and leads the Center’s environment and workers’ rights team.
“The Center is in good hands,” Dunbar said of the elevation of Morris to the new post. “Jim is an outstanding investigative journalist and leader and is an excellent choice to run the Center until a permanent replacement can be found.”
Meanwhile, Gordon Witkin will continue in his role as Executive Editor.
Dunbar leaves having completed a strategic plan with help from staff and the board and having overseen the creation of a dynamic new website, which debuts next week. In addition to his work as CEO, Dunbar has served as deputy executive editor, politics editor and reporter. He has won multiple honors over the years including a George W. Polk award for his work on the 2008 financial crisis and its fallout.
The board’s Search Committee is working actively with Sally M. Sterling Executive Search to find the Center’s next CEO. The process is well underway, and the board is optimistic that the new leader will take the helm in early 2019.