Idaho Education News’ board of directors announced today CEO Jennifer Swindell has been named publisher and Devin Bodkin has been named COO and managing editor of the nonprofit, online news organization.
Swindell founded Idaho EdNews in January of 2013 and has served as CEO and managing editor over its 14-year development. She will continue to serve as the company’s CEO.
“Jennifer is an extraordinary leader and journalist,” said EdNews Board Chair Alicia Ritter. “This promotion is recognition of her success at growing an organization whose consistent and solid news reporting has elevated thoughtful and impactful discussion of education in Idaho.”
Bodkin spent the last year as EdNews’ assistant managing editor, prepping for today’s promotion. Previously, he was an East Idaho reporter, blogger and editor for EdNews. He will continue to work and live in eastern Idaho.
“We’re lucky to have a talent like Devin take the reins of EdNews management,” Ritter said. “His experience, talent and perspective will serve readers well as he steps into big shoes.”
Swindell is an award-winning investigative journalist and editor and has been an Idaho journalist for nearly 40 years. She spent 20 years at the Idaho Statesman as a reporter, columnist and editor. She also was a director of communications for Boise State University before launching EdNews.
As publisher, Swindell will set the strategic vision of Idaho EdNews and continue to be the public face of the organization.
Bodkin previously was a corporate editor at the Idaho National Laboratory and a former Idaho teacher. As managing editor, he will be responsible for day-to-day operations.
EdNews, a non-profit, is governed by a three-person board, including Ritter. Also serving on the board are Kim O’Connor, a former journalist and victim witness coordinator for the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office, and Stacia Albiston, a former teacher and the communications officer for the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation.
In other staff news, Ryan Suppe is being promoted to accountability reporter and assistant managing editor. He’ll pursue watchdog stories and assist Bodkin with day-to-day operations. Suppe was EdNews’ politics reporter.
Sean Dolan will move into the politics reporter position and cover the Idaho Legislature with veteran reporter Kevin Richert, who has covered the Legislature for more than 35 years with the Idaho Statesman and Idaho Education News. Richert also will continue to write his Thursday analysis pieces and anchor the new Idaho EdNews Show, a regular podcast-video.
Emma Epperly will continue to serve as EdNews North Idaho reporter, rounding out a team whose reporting reaches all corners of the state. She also follows charter school development and how policies are implemented in Idaho schools.
EdNews has won multiple national and statewide awards for investigative and watchdog journalism. The website has seen record growth this past year, reaching millions of page views and social media followers.
EdNews produces comprehensive and thoughtful journalism about education policy and practice in Idaho. The nonprofit is a public awareness service where parents, patrons, educators and lawmakers can find the most useful information on issues that affect Idaho’s children and their future.
EdNews is committed to its mission of holding lawmakers and educators accountable for taxpayer dollars and student achievement.
EdNews is free and published without advertising thanks to the generosity of the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation.
For questions or comments, contact Jennifer at jswindell@idahoednews.org.
