Leisa Richardson

Leisa Richardson is executive editor of The State Journal-Register in Springfield, Illinois. The native Hoosier worked as a reporter, editor and publisher at newspapers in Indiana, Ohio and Illinois, and at USA Today in northern Virginia. 

Throughout her career, she led newsrooms through industry change, most recently guiding the SJ-R through a company merger and digital transformation. She also has been a consistent industry voice for diversity and inclusion in news coverage and staffing. 

The Hoosier State Press Association, Gannett and the Associated Press in Indiana, Illinois and Ohio have honored Richardson’s work.  Other honors include recognition from Indiana Black Expo for her contributions as a volunteer and mentor to young journalists. She is a lifetime member, former board member and convention chair of the National Association of Black Journalists. She serves on the boards of the Illinois Associated Press Managing Editors. She describes herself as an optimist and traveler. She lives in Springfield, Illinois.