Shawn McIntosh

NICAR is built on the success of not just one person, but in the knowledge that we share with one another. Shawn McIntosh embodies the ideals of IRE and NICAR in the leadership she has provided for more than 35 years.

Not only is Shawn a founder of NICAR, she is a pioneer of data journalism. She is a fierce advocate for investigative and data journalism as well as access to public records and open meetings. Her commitment is felt especially in Georgia and across the Southeast through her work as a board member for the Georgia First Amendment Foundation.

In 1989, she was the computer-assisted reporting editor at USA Today. She attended her first IRE conference in 1992, and spent 12 years on the Board of Directors. She served as board president, and IRE grew under her leadership and guidance. As a former IRE staff member, I saw her impact on the organization from the inside. As a person who is fortunate enough to work for her at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, I am the direct recipient of her mentorship and guidance.