Karen Lincoln Michel, who for four years has led the business operations of ICT and IndiJ Public Media, will transition away from her role as President and CEO later this year.
Michel, Ho-Chunk from Wisconsin, will focus on IndiJ Public Media’s local Indigenous journalism efforts after a successor is hired. The shift is part of the organization’s strategy to provide opportunities to emerging leaders with proven skills and innovative ideas to move the nonprofit news startup to the next level.
“Serving as President and CEO of IndiJ Public Media has been the best part of my career and I can only hope that my next venture with the company will top that experience,” Michel said. “I believe in the organization and its mission to serve Indigenous communities with compelling stories written and produced by Indigenous journalists. What we do matters to our loyal supporters of Indigenous news, and I want to ensure that our coverage deepens at the local and regional level.”
Michel was recruited by ICT Editor-at-large Mark Trahant in 2019 to serve as ICT’s president. She went through a search process, was selected and started on Jan. 13, 2020. CEO was added to her title when IndiJ Public Media acquired ICT from the National Congress of American Indians in March 2021.
Michel guided ICT through the transition to IndiJ Public Media and helped secure 501(c)(3) status for the nonprofit journalism startup. She oversaw the growth from nine employees to more than 30 and led fundraising efforts until a development director was hired in September 2023.
“Karen’s extraordinary contributions to ICT and IndiJ Public Media started in her first 10 minutes on the job,” Trahant said. “We knew we needed a leader who loved journalism — and who was also unapologetic about the business case for journalism and sustainability. She has been an innovator and has helped this small company excel. It’s worth saying that Karen has set a standard for the media business far beyond her work with IndiJ Public Media.”
Michel also held a dual role of President/CEO and chair of the IndiJ Public Media Board of Directors until November 2023, when the two roles were split through a change in the bylaws. Michel will continue to serve on the board until a new CEO is hired.
“Since IndiJ Public Media’s inception, Karen Michel has worked tirelessly to stand up Native voices in media,” said Derrick Beetso, chair of the IndiJ Board of Directors and director of Indian Gaming and Self-Governance at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. “Karen’s contributions consisted of sound leadership and seasoned insights, but most importantly her diligent efforts have helped IndiJ meet its mission. I celebrate Karen’s tenure as IndiJ’s first-ever CEO and President.”
Effective immediately, a committee of the IndiJ Public Media Board of Directors will conduct a national search for the organization’s next leader. The board is committed to an inclusive transition process that engages stakeholders committed to the future of Indigenous journalism. For more information on how to apply, visit this link.