A Career Built on Innovation and Rigor (Image Credits: Mirrorball.themarshallproject.org)
The Marshall Project appointed Reem Akkad, a seasoned editor from The Washington Post, as its new managing editor to strengthen its investigative journalism on the U.S. criminal justice system.[1]
A Career Built on Innovation and Rigor
Reem Akkad built an impressive track record at The Washington Post over more than a decade. She began as a senior producer for the original video team, leading a group of 10 journalists in creating short- and medium-form video content.[2]
Akkad advanced to senior international editor and later deputy head of visuals. In these roles, she collaborated across photo, video, print, design, and graphics teams to produce immersive multimedia stories on global issues. Her work included coverage of COVID-19’s toll in India and Scotland’s renewable energy efforts.[2]
As editor for the Americas for nine months, she guided reporting on tariffs, immigration, and cultural topics. Projects under her oversight, such as investigations into the opioid and fentanyl crises and the war in Gaza, earned recognition as Pulitzer finalists.[1]
Trained as a visual journalist, Akkad developed sharp line-editing skills on the Post’s international desk. Colleagues praised her creativity, cross-departmental collaboration, editorial judgment, and supportive leadership style.
Stepping In as Jennifer Peter’s Key Deputy
Akkad will serve as deputy to Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Peter, overseeing a news team of 60 at The Marshall Project. Peter expressed enthusiasm for the hire: “I couldn’t be happier to welcome Reem to the team to serve as my partner in overseeing a newsroom dedicated to high-impact investigative work focused on inequities within the justice system. Reem brings the perfect mix of investigative rigor and journalistic innovation to help lead this enterprise.”[1]
Akkad shared her excitement: “I have long admired the mission-driven work of The Marshall Project. I am honored to have the opportunity to support this talented newsroom.”[1]
This appointment came on March 11, 2026, positioning Akkad to shape the organization’s editorial direction during a period of growth.[1]
The Marshall Project’s Mission and Proven Results
The Marshall Project operates as a Pulitzer Prize-winning nonprofit dedicated to covering the U.S. criminal justice system. Its core mission involves establishing facts, exposing systemic failures, and exploring potential solutions.[1][3]
The organization’s reporting has driven tangible change. A 2020 story prompted a $1.8 million settlement in St. Francois County, Missouri. Weekly COVID-19 updates in 2020 received citations from other media outlets more than 670 times.
- A 2021 investigation restored federal benefits to foster children in at least 15 states and municipalities, with additional areas adopting similar measures.
- Recent coverage addresses prison conditions, opioid-related deaths, immigration detention, and the effects of policy shifts under the second Trump administration.
- Ongoing work examines prosecuting pregnancy, deadly jails, and family separations at the border.
These efforts underscore the newsroom’s commitment to accountability and reform.[3]
Expansion Plans Signal Bold Future
Akkad arrives amid strategic initiatives to broaden the reach of award-winning investigations. The Marshall Project aims to attract new audiences, enhance its video storytelling, and illuminate how immigration enforcement intersects with the justice system.[1]
Her expertise in multimedia and international reporting aligns closely with these goals. Akkad holds a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University, further equipping her for complex, high-stakes journalism.
Key Takeaways:
- Reem Akkad transitions from deputy head of visuals at The Washington Post to managing editor at The Marshall Project.
- She will oversee a 60-person news team focused on criminal justice inequities.
- The hire supports expansion in video, audience growth, and immigration-justice coverage.
The Marshall Project’s latest leadership move reinforces its role as a vital force in exposing justice system flaws. As Akkad steps in, the organization stands poised for deeper impact. What do you think about this hire’s potential to shape criminal justice reporting? Tell us in the comments.
