New Deputy Editor for Investigations

When the Investigations desk wanted to add muscle to our talented editing team, we had a natural choice in Lisa Gartner. She has led stellar, high-stakes investigative work on both coasts, including most recently as the head of the long-term investigations team at The Washington Post.

At every stage of her career, her work has been defined by exceptional impact: new laws limiting dangerous police pursuits; the closure of the nation's oldest reform school; changes to how San Francisco spends a multimillion dollar budget for homelessness.

"Lisa is a journalism unicorn," said Kathleen McGrory, an editor with The Times's Local Investigative Fellowship. "She's the rare editor who can guide the most complex investigations and elevate the most ambitious narratives. She is incisive, creative and above all, a fierce advocate for stories and reporters."

Lisa began her career as an education reporter, first in Washington, then at The Tampa Bay Times. Along with colleagues, including our own Michael LaForgia, Lisa exposed intentional neglect in a Florida school district, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting. She also met her husband, a fellow journalist, while working there.

After a decade as a reporter, Lisa made the transition to editing. She rebuilt the investigations desk at The San Francisco Chronicle, where she oversaw work that included exposing the high death toll of police car chases and hazardous conditions in hotels used to house homeless people. Both series were finalists for Pulitzer Prizes.

In addition to her investigative chops, Lisa is a deft narrative editor, with the touch of a natural storyteller. (Please read " The Jessica Simulation ," a poignant and tender exploration of grief and A.I.)

" Lisa is an exceptional leader, inspiring her reporters to sharpen their ideas, pursue every lead, challenge assumptions and write with authority," said Chronicle reporter Cynthia Dizikes. "She's also a wonderful colleague - steadfast and empathetic with a great sense of humor."

In her very limited spare time, Lisa likes to read, bake and travel (especially through-hiking). She is a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.

Please join me in welcoming her.

- Kirsten