BALTIMORE, MD (May 31, 2023) – The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, a Baltimore based nonprofit organization and founder of The Baltimore Banner today announced that Imtiaz Patel, CEO will be stepping down effective July 7 to pursue a new opportunity. Patel will continue to serve on the Board of Directors for The Venetoulis Institute, and Brian McGrory, former Editor of The Boston Globe and board member of The Venetoulis Institute will help lead the organization’s transition. The Board will conduct a nationwide search for a new CEO.  

“I’m grateful to Imtiaz for helping realize our collective vision for an independent, nonprofit news organization that is focused on serving all communities,” said Stewart Bainum Jr, Chairman of The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism. “We have built a strong foundation and I have great confidence that we will continue to serve our mission well as we invest and grow our newsroom under the leadership of Editor in Chief Kimi Yoshino. Brian McGrory is a tremendous asset on our board, and we will be in good hands during this transition as we conduct a nationwide search for a new CEO.” 

Patel said “Over the last three years I have worked with Stewart to build the foundation of a robust, mission-driven news organization. I’m tremendously proud of what we have achieved to bring locally owned, not-for-profit news to Baltimore. We have over 70,000 subscribers with paid access, a growing audience and work that has already had a meaningful impact. With a strong leadership team in place, I am confident that The Banner will go from strength to strength. I will always value the time I spent at The Baltimore Banner and look forward to serving on the board.” 

About The Baltimore Banner 

The Baltimore Banner is a multi-platform news operation, covering a broad range of topics from local government to culture and the arts. The Baltimore Banner was created by The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, a nonprofit organization founded in 2021 to bring high-quality local journalism to the Baltimore metro area.

Contact:
Rick Abbruzzese
KO Public Affairs
410-790-5002
ra@kopublicaffairs.com