CLARITY IS A FORM OF LEADERSHIP.
So does the judgment behind it.
I’m Thomas Taylor—an editor, newsroom leader, and educator. For more than 25 years, I’ve helped journalism earn trust through clear language, sound judgment, and a commitment to getting it right.
Headlines written at USA TODAY
Headlines for the front page
Years at USA TODAY
Former USA TODAY Network Style Committee chair
It makes complex ideas accessible. It protects credibility. And it helps people do their best work.
My career has taken me from local newsrooms to USA TODAY, and from the editing desk to a university classroom in Russia. The thread through it all is the same: helping people understand—and be understood.
At USA TODAY, my work spanned news, features, and business coverage, alongside leadership of the Network Style Committee. I bring the close attention of a copy editor and the wider perspective of someone who has led teams, guided standards, and made consequential decisions under deadline.
For media organizations, research institutions, and mission-driven teams, that combination offers something essential: a thoughtful partner in making important work clear and credible.
02 / SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
Led a team instrumental in developing the USA TODAY Network Style Guide, then helped train colleagues and roll it out across the Network. He later chaired the committee that maintained it and served as a primary contact for style questions.
As News Slot editor, handled final editing of USA TODAY’s News section through multiple daily editions. Made independent editorial and story-placement decisions during late-night breaking news, linking newsroom judgment with production execution.
Coached reporters and editors to recognize recurring errors and improve work at its source. Previously managed scheduling and performance for 7–9 designer/editors at The Herald-Dispatch while overseeing a 32-page daily edition.
RECOGNITION / 2003
Recognized for creating and maintaining a database of Saddam Hussein regime members on U.S. Central Command’s “most wanted” list during the Iraq War.
03 / THE EXPERIENCE
National and local journalism. Editorial leadership. Cross-cultural teaching. Experience that connects the details to the bigger picture.
View full résuméNational, international, feature, and business journalism across print and digital. More than 25,000 headlines, including approximately 5,000 for the front page.
Led page design, copy editing, staffing, and production flow for a daily local newspaper. Helped launch herald-dispatch.com.
Taught upper-level English Composition and Mass Communications courses, plus an introduction to the U.S. Constitution for law students through a translator.
Edited across news, business, and features. Helped launch four zoned editions and coordinated editorial and press production.
FOUNDATIONS
Marshall University
B.A., Journalism · Minor in Political Science
Dow Jones Newspaper Fund Intern · 1989
04 / THE APPROACH
“A team’s credibility rests on the standards it refuses to bend, especially under pressure.”
THOMAS A. TAYLOR ON NEWSROOM LEADERSHIP
Protect accuracy and fairness, especially when the clock is running.
Create the trust that lets people raise concerns and ask for help.
Own the outcome. Learn from the problem. Help the team move forward.
Bring competing perspectives together around work everyone can stand behind.
A leadership approach informed by Theory R Management, by Wayne T. Alderson and Nancy Alderson McDonnell: results grow from these four commitments.
05 / THE FULL PICTURE
Explore my full background in editorial leadership, newsroom production, mentoring, and education.
Looking for hands-on editing experience?IMPORTANT WORK DESERVES CAREFUL WORDS.
For conversations about editorial leadership, publishing standards, and helping teams communicate with confidence.
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