The new director of development is Crystal Gibson, who has 25 years of experience in sales and fundraising.
“This is a pivotal moment for Cardinal News. “With Crystal’s expertise and experience, we will be able to create additional robust revenue streams to support our expanding newsroom,” said executive director Luanne Rife.
Cardinal News has recruited its first full-time development specialist.
In the beginning, Gibson will concentrate on developing sponsorship opportunities for Cardinal’s newsletter products and website.
Cardinal News provides a daily newsletter for readers who wish to stay abreast of local news, a weekly for readers who wish to catch up on the week’s top 10 stories, Cardinal Weather, featuring renowned weather journalist Kevin Myatt, and West of the Capital, a weekly roundup and analysis of regional politics.
Cardinal News is an independent, nonprofit news organization supported solely by contributions from foundations, corporations, and individuals. Since its inception in September 2021, it has predominantly relied on significant donations and reader contributions.
Gibson will create a sponsorship program to meet the needs of businesses and other organizations seeking to support local journalism.
Gibson, a Roanoke native, began her career as a political fundraiser and consultant for numerous state, federal, and presidential campaigns. She returned to Roanoke after four years in Washington, D.C., where she worked in sales for The Roanoke Times. During her time there, she assisted in the launch of three community publications that served the advertising requirements of small businesses.
She has spent the past decade raising funds for local colleges’ higher education programs.
She graduated from Roanoke College with a bachelor’s in political science and Hollins University with a master’s in liberal studies.
