Brian Connolly, MA ’03

Brian Connolly (MA ’03) has been named Chief Innovation Officer at the National Trust for Local News, where he is developing sustainable new models for community journalism. Brian joins the Trust after a 20-year career at The Buffalo News, where he rose from copy desk intern to Vice President and Publisher of the community newspaper group. He was The News’ managing editor for seven years. In his new national role, he oversees news innovation, product development, and audience revenue strategy.

Updated: January 29, 2026