Legendary Editor Rob Dean Steps Down After 29 Years at Santa Fe New Mexican
Rob Dean, who served as editor of the Santa Fe New Mexican for nearly three decades, stepped down from his position in July 2021. Dean, who took the helm in 1992, left to pursue other interests, including a book project with his son and a passion for young people's education.
Dean's tenure was marked by his unique approach to community engagement. He believed in empowering readers by providing them with comprehensive information. To achieve this, he made strategic changes. Dean reduced staff by narrowing the paper's focus to core topics and defining Santa Fe's unique qualities. He also invested in covering Native American communities, hiring reporters with a deep understanding of their issues.
Dean's leadership was not without challenges. He had to balance saying 'no' to people, but he communicated the importance of individual skills and the organization's mission. When he took over the Santa Fe New Mexican, he saw it as an institution in the midst of a rebirth, a sentiment that guided his leadership.
After leaving the Santa Fe New Mexican, Dean dedicated himself to leading an educational institution focused on preparing young people for the world. His legacy at the newspaper includes a more focused approach to journalism, a commitment to covering Native American communities, and a belief in the power of information to empower readers.
