Vickie Walton-James
Managing Editor for News
Vickie Walton-James is NPR's Managing Editor for News. In that role, she oversees the daily operation of the newsroom, working to ensure journalistic excellence across audio, digital and social platforms.
Before moving into her current role, Walton-James served as NPR's Chief National Editor for several years, leading a staff of award-winning reporters, editors and producers based in Washington, D.C., and in bureaus around the country. Walton-James has held other news leadership positions at NPR, as well.
Walton-James joined NPR in 2008, with 25 years of newspaper experience. She was senior manager for Tribune Publishing in Washington, where she coordinated the convergence of print, digital and television coverage. She moved into that position after serving as the Chicago Tribune's Washington Bureau Chief. In that role, she led coverage of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 and their aftermath. She also directed coverage of Washington institutions and issues, including justice, diplomacy, defense and the presidency.
Before moving to the Washington, D.C. area, Walton-James worked in Chicago, editing on the Tribune's National and International desks. She began her journalism career reporting and editing for the Kansas City Star, where she covered criminal justice, social services, city government and residential real estate. Walton-James holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Kansas.
