Williams Named to Times Mirror Foundation Post
The Times Mirror Foundation announced Thursday that Michelle Williams, editor of The Times’ Southern California Living section, has been appointed to the new position of the foundation’s executive director.
Williams, 42, will work with representatives of the nonprofit community, seek and promote philanthropic initiatives, provide support for the grant review committee on journalism and visit community organizations.
“We’re excited to have Michelle join the foundation,” said Bonnie Guiton Hill, its president and chief executive officer and a senior vice president of the Los Angeles Times. “Her background in journalism and strong interest in the community will be invaluable as we carry out our mission to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve.”
Williams, who will start her new job on July 19, has been editor of Southern California Living since 1998. Previously, she served as editor of the Health section.
She joined The Times as assistant View editor in 1990 and was deputy View and Life & Style editor from 1993 to 1997.
Williams is a member of the National Assn. of Black Journalists and the American Assn. of Sunday and Features Editors.
The Times Mirror Foundation was founded in 1962 as the corporate foundation of Times Mirror Co., which publishes the Los Angeles Times; Newsday on Long Island in New York; the Baltimore Sun; the Hartford Courant in Connecticut; the Morning Call in Allentown, Pa.; the Advocate in Stamford, Conn.; and the Greenwich Time in Connecticut. The company also publishes consumer magazines and an array of professional information for the aviation, training and health improvement markets.
The foundation gives grants to nonprofit organizations in regions where Times Mirror operating companies are located. It focuses on programs that improve the quality of journalism, education and literacy, strengthen the fabric of the community and enhance cultural appreciation and understanding.
Since 1962, the foundation has made about $80 million in grants.