Delano Massey is joining the Elevate Dayton team to serve as an editorial advisor.

By Zack Frink, Elevate Dayton

The big picture: He will help guide and launch Elevate Dayton’s next editorial campaign focused on workforce development in the city and state. 

The backstory: Massey, a Greater Cleveland native and graduate of the University of Akron, is an award-winning journalist with about 20 years of experience as a reporter, editor, producer, professor, university board member and manager in print, broadcast, and digital media.

• He is Managing Editor of Axios Local, available in nearly 30 US markets including Columbus and Cleveland, and has previously worked at CNN where he was the Justice team leader and launched the Race & Equality team. 

• Massey’s stops include a stint as Ohio news editor for the Associated Press after roles with News 5 Cleveland, WKYT, the Lexington-Herald Leader and the Akron Beacon Journal.

What we’re hearing: “I’m thrilled to be working with Elevate Dayton’s talented editorial team to tackle an important story for the city and my home state,” Massey said. “It is a unique opportunity to work on a topic that can’t get enough coverage — and to do so while helping this organization reach new heights.”

• “Delano came into Elevate Dayton’s orbit at the perfect time,” said publisher Nate Dillard. “I’ve been a fan of Axios’ Smart Brevity writing style for a while. Incorporating his wisdom from Axios and his other professional stops will help the outlet continue to compete in the media industry.”

Why it matters: Massey’s addition can work in tandem with the investment and support Elevate Dayton is already receiving from its first investors in the Multicultural Media & Correspondents Association.

• Elevate Dayton is continuing its ascension after receiving non-dilutive funding from the Google News Equity Fund and being a recent graduate of the Google News Initiative North America Sponsorships Lab.

The bottom line: Massey brings an editorial approach that will help Elevate Dayton continue meeting the needs of its readers.