Career in journalism is defined by award-winning coverage and steadfast leadership during times of dramatic change
Minneapolis, Minn. – The Minnesota Star Tribune announced today that its editor, Suki Dardarian, is retiring after more than a decade at the media company. Dardarian’s last day as editor will be Monday, Feb. 3.
“The opportunity to help lead the Star Tribune has been one of the greatest gifts of my 43 years as a journalist,” Dardarian said. “I’m humbled to close out my editing career at a 157-year-old local news institution that is a treasure in the community and in the news industry. It’s been an honor to relaunch our news organization as The Minnesota Star Tribune and now feels like the perfect time to pass the torch to other great leaders who will ensure the Strib continues to achieve greatness for years to come.”
Dardarian shared her excitement for the drive and collaboration from leaders across the company, including Publisher Steve Grove and the Minnesota Star Tribune’s leadership team, in their effort to move the organization forward at a challenging but inspiring time for journalism. And she offered gratitude for Glen Taylor who purchased the organization soon after she arrived.
“Suki’s been a tremendous leader for our organization, through an extraordinary time both in our state and at the Strib,” said Steve Grove, Publisher and CEO of the Star Tribune. “She’s been a true change leader for us, committed to positioning us for success as a modern media company. Her editorial vision, collaborative spirit, strong integrity and values, and true dedication to the Strib have made a huge impact that will live far beyond her years here. On a personal level, I’ve learned a tremendous amount from Suki and am grateful I got to work with someone so thoughtful, kind, and committed. She will be missed!”
Dardarian joined the Minnesota Star Tribune as senior managing editor more than a decade ago and stepped into the role of editor and senior vice president in March 2022. She has presided over award-winning public-service journalism, spearheaded the newsroom’s digital evolution and has been a vocal advocate for the First Amendment and open government.
During her leadership, the newsroom earned a Pulitzer Prize for breaking news for its coverage of the murder of George Floyd and the aftermath and was a finalist for Pulitzers for local reporting and investigations for projects examining rape investigations, juvenile justice, financial-services companies, and the treatment of people with disabilities.
“The Minnesota Star Tribune is stronger because of Suki’s leadership,” said Christine Fruechte, the Minnesota Star Tribune’s Board Chair. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without her passion, leadership and integrity and look forward to building on the incredible foundation she helped to build.”
Dardarian began her career as a reporter at the Everett Herald in Washington state in 1981. She spent 12 years at the News Tribune in Tacoma, Wash., in various roles including reporter, editor and senior editor, and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in explanatory reporting. She then spent more than 14 years at The Seattle Times in news leadership, including as managing editor. During that time, The Times earned two Pulitzers and was named as finalist multiple times. Dardarian was the president and board member of the Associated Press Managing Editors Association and twice served as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes.
A graduate of the University of Washington, Dardarian was inducted into the UW Department of Communication Alumni Hall of Fame in 2022 and delivered its commencement address earlier this year. She currently sits on the advisory board of the Arthur W. Page Center for Integrity in Public Communication at Penn State University, an international leader in research on ethics in public communication.
“I’m enormously proud to have worked with such a talented and passionate news staff so driven by the pursuit of truth and the commitment to serve this community,” Dardarian said. “And I’ve been honored to serve our readers, who have championed us and also pushed us to improve.”
After she steps down, Dardarian will serve as a strategic adviser to the newsroom and publisher during the leadership transition. The Minnesota Star Tribune has begun the search to hire her replacement. Interested candidates should apply here.
About The Star Tribune Media Company
The Minnesota Star Tribune is an innovative modern media organization building on an extraordinary 157-year legacy. With seven Pulitzer Prizes and hundreds of other awards, the Minnesota Star Tribune boasts the Midwest’s largest news organization and is an unrivaled force for journalistic excellence in Minnesota and beyond. As the heart and voice of the north, the Minnesota Star Tribune is on a journey to create the leading model for local news in America – driving innovation in media to make every Minnesotan’s life better. For more information, visit www.startribunecompany.com.