Katrina Trinko, who covered government and politics as a reporter for National Review, this week joined The Heritage Foundation as managing editor of The Foundry.
Trinko’s arrival on January 6 represents an initial step toward expanding news content and, in coming months, repositioning The Foundry as a must-read media source for news of consequence to Americans as well as for conservative policy analysis.
“In 2014, we will embark on a major, multi-year strategic initiative to reposition The Foundry from blog to major media brand,” said Rob Bluey, Heritage’s director of digital media, who launched both The Foundry and its Morning Bell e-newsletter in 2008. “Katrina’s hiring is one of several important announcements we’ll make in the days ahead as we prepare to re-launch The Foundry in April.”
Beginning in 2010, Trinko covered Congress, campaigns and state governments for National Review and its digital identity, National Review Online. Digital, print and broadcast outlets that featured or cited her reporting included Drudge Report, Politico and Rush Limbaugh.
Bluey said Trinko will oversee editorial operations of The Foundry on a daily basis, developing stories from Heritage’s research as well as from breaking news. He added, “Expect Katrina to hit the ground running as she commissions and produces compelling content that persuades and activates the audiences needed to achieve conservative policy victories.”
Geoffrey Lysaught, Heritage’s group vice president for strategic communications, said Trinko’s hiring gets the think tank’s ambitious plans for The Foundry off to a strong start.
“We are confident The Foundry can be the go-to site for smart, conservative content, rivaling established outlets in reach and impact,” Lysaught said. “We’re excited to have Katrina on our team to help us achieve this goal.”
Trinko also is a member of USA Today’s Board of Contributors, writing columns on topics ranging from education and culture to immigration and technology. Her connection to USA Today’s commentary pages began with a one-year fellowship through the Intercollegiate Studies Institute.
Trinko holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and philosophy from Thomas Aquinas College. She interned in the newsroom of The Bulletin in Philadelphia and later at National Review before joining the staff there.
