Times names development and community relations director for newsroom

Annica Keeler, a longtime employee of the Tampa Bay Times, has become the newsroom’s first development and community relations director.

In this role, which is a new position, Keeler will spearhead efforts to connect with local donors, building on the momentum created this year through the Times’ Investigative and Journalism Funds.

Keeler also will coordinate grant applications, to support funding for the newsroom generally and specific initiatives. She’ll become the contact for licensing our work and help develop partnerships and projects with other newsrooms.

“Very few newsrooms across America have a position like this,” said Mark Katches, executive editor and vice president at the Times. “We are increasingly leaning into philanthropy as a revenue stream to help support our essential journalism, and Annica is uniquely qualified to help lead these efforts.”

Keeler served as community relations manager at the Times for 13 years and as an executive assistant to Chairman and CEO Paul Tash.

She has been involved in numerous nonprofit fundraising and events and has an extensive background in events management and tourism.

“Local journalism is a cornerstone of democracy. It creates informed, connected and engaged communities. The Tampa Bay Times is an asset to this thriving region, and we are fortunate to live where people value and want to support strong, fact-based journalism,” Keeler said. “I am looking forward to working with generous individuals, foundations and businesses to explore ways to support our newsroom so that we can continue our long history of providing you the information you need to make decisions for your family and our community.”

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