“So do you like living in Pittsburgh?” a Los Angeles-based friend asked me recently on a FaceTime catch-up. We met a few years ago while we were both living in Brooklyn. “Well, it’s home. So, yes,” I said. It was a perfectly reasonable question to ask, but at the moment it felt like one with such an obvious answer. I grew up in Westmoreland County, but Pittsburgh has been my home since I left for college — first at Duquesne University and then at Pitt. I want to do all I can to celebrate and improve our city.I took over as editor of NEXTpittsburgh in mid-September after former editor Brian Hyslop stepped down. Over the last 10 years, I have worked for organizations big and small, both locally and elsewhere. I’ve never felt a greater sense of responsibility than when I accepted this position. NEXTpittsburgh is an eclectic and talented group of journalists bringing you stories on local development, Pittsburgh businesses, our region’s environment and what’s happening around the city, among many other topics. We’re well known for our Job Board, event guides and restaurant roundups, but we’re so much more than that.As I continue to dig into my new role, my goal for NEXTpittsburgh is to reach new audiences – whether that’s through video series, differing coverage areas or using a variety of platforms. A crucial part of the puzzle will be welcoming new writers to tell stories with us. NEXT is now a recipient of a Press Forward grant, which we plan to use to amp up the coverage in our PGH4ALL section – a dedicated effort to tell the news and stories of historically underrepresented communities. We are also seeking a Press Forward Fellow to specifically focus on covering Pittsburgh’s Black community. (Keep an eye on our LinkedIn page for the position coming soon). We will continue to report on our city’s title as a hub for innovation and technology, but with a human impact focus. How can AI and robotics make meaningful improvements to our lives in ethical ways? Arts and culture coverage is a keystone topic area for NEXT. Going forward, we will solidify our place as the go-to resource for information on visual arts, performances, live music and cultural events with coverage on an even wider variety of artists. I’d also like to share more of the spotlight with my fellow Millennials and Gen Z compatriots. What businesses and nonprofit organizations are these younger generations leading? How will they lead differently (or similarly?) than those who came before them? I don’t have it all figured out yet, of course. Being open to feedback — whether from staff or NEXT readers — is a crucial part of leadership. If you have a story idea, critique, proposal or anything, my inbox ([email protected]) is open. Finally, I’d like to thank and highlight the excellent work of the NEXT editorial team — especially Events & Jobs Editor Jennifer Baron, Engagement Manager Emma Honcharski, Chief Reporter Roman Hladio, Video Producer Anne Perri Cole, Yinzer Backstage Pass Host Boaz Frankel and copy editor Grace Bodura. Their ideas, creativity and collaborative natures are already making my job easier. The post An updated NEXTpittsburgh editorial direction appeared first on NEXTpittsburgh.