Alexa Lewis, award-winning journalist, is the new editor-in-chief of The Riverdale Press

Alexa Lewis, an award-winning reporter with experience spanning much of the east coast, is the new editor-in-chief of The Riverdale Press.

Most recently a breaking news reporter at The Sun News in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Lewis’s crime and education reporting earned first-place recognition from the South Carolina Press Association. With experience at print and digital publications working a variety of beats, Lewis will lead editorial strategy, newsroom operations and digital initiatives for The Press.

“This newspaper has a long and meaningful history, and I’m honored to carry that forward,” Lewis said. “At a moment when local journalism is more essential than ever, I will strive to give readers the stories that matter and earn their trust every day.”

Lewis joins The Press with the conviction that strong local reporting is one of the best ways to guarantee communities remain connected and empowered.

Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, Lewis’ reporting career began at the White River Valley Herald in Randolph, Vermont, covering local politics. She then worked as a reporter and editor for The University of Vermont’s Center for Community News while reporting election results for The Associated Press. Prior to arriving in Myrtle Beach, she wrote for The Daily Hampshire Gazette in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Lewis has a master’s degree in journalism and creative writing from The Johns Hopkins University, where her work earned her a fellowship from the nonprofit Investigative Reporters and Editors in 2024. She was also previously an editor for the literary journal The Baltimore Review.

Lewis’s work has appeared in dozens of local newspapers across the country, and has been featured in Politico, New England Public Media and Us Weekly. She brings with her a wealth of passion and ideas for the future of the industry.

“As technology advances and media consumption continues to change, journalism as a whole is undergoing some major shifts,” she said. “As journalists, we have a responsibility to adapt to this changing landscape, ensuring readers have access to the information they need.”

She added that, while newspapers must serve as bulwarks for democracy and protect their readerships by speaking truth to power, they should also celebrate their communities.

“So many people dread reading the news. We have to cover the hard stories without flinching, but we should also highlight the people and progress that remind readers what good journalism is working to defend,” she said.

Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications, The Press’s parent company, said Lewis arrives at a crucial point in the paper’s long history.

“Alexa Lewis is a dynamic addition to The Riverdale Press at a time the need for community journalism is critical,” Richner said. “I’m excited to have Alexa aboard and look forward to what The Press will achieve under her leadership.”

While she is new to the Bronx, Lewis knows each neighborhood in The Press’ coverage area is a place with stories to tell.

“I encourage anyone to reach out — with news tips, ideas or even recommendations on local spots I shouldn’t miss,” she said. “I’m excited to meet you all, and to aid the dedicated journalists here in telling stories you look forward to reading each week.”

Lewis can be reached at alewis@riverdalepress.com.