IRE mourns the loss of Executive Director Diana R. Fuentes

March 20, 2026 — A message from IRE Board President Josh Hinkle:

Dear IRE members and the broader journalism community,

I’m reaching out on behalf of IRE’s Board and staff with a heavy heart. I’m so sorry to share the news that our executive director, Diana R. Fuentes, died unexpectedly today in Washington, D.C. As we process this loss, I invite you to join me in reflecting on the incredible impact she had on all of us, and on IRE.

With over 35 years in journalism, including her role as deputy metro editor at the San Antonio Express-News, Diana brought a wealth of experience to our organization when she came on as executive director in April 2021. Her warmth created an inviting atmosphere at IRE, especially during crucial periods, like navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and preparing for our 50th anniversary last year.

Her knack for connecting with staff, Board members and our community was truly special. And she was a fierce advocate for diversity and inclusion, always striving to ensure that everyone felt heard and valued.

Diana was also dedicated to teaching, sharing her skills and knowledge as a professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia and Texas State University, where she recently earned her master’s degree. Her involvement and leadership with other journalism organizations like the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas and the San Antonio chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists further highlighted her passion for our field.

Whether she was representing IRE at events across the country or engaging with our international and student members, her dedication to our mission was clear. She worked tirelessly to make investigative training accessible and was also a passionate defender of press freedom and journalist safety. In light of the challenges we face today, she reminded us that “we have a constitutionally protected right — and deep responsibility — to keep the people informed, and we will not stop.” Those words from Diana — shared in a recent statement of support for journalists arrested for their protest coverage — resonate now more than ever.

A proud second-generation Texan and lifetime member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists — which inducted her into its Hall of Fame in 2022 — Diana loved her family, her cats and a good Vodka gimlet. She found joy in helping journalists fight for open records; she was in DC this week for a FOIA conference, where her last text to me was about an upcoming training session she was excited to attend.

In the coming days, the Board, staff and other stakeholders will gather to discuss honoring Diana’s legacy and our organization’s next steps. I’d love to hear your thoughts as we navigate this transition. As we remember Diana, let’s commit to upholding her values of diversity, inclusion and excellence in journalism. She believed in our mission wholeheartedly and would want us to keep moving forward together.

So, in Diana’s memory, I’ll close with her favorite sign-off: “A big abrazo for everybody!”