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Following the unexpected passing of Executive Director Diana R. Fuentes last week, Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) is mourning the loss of a deeply respected leader whose impact on the organization and the field of investigative journalism will be felt for years to come.

The IRE Board of Directors convened on Sunday to solidify next steps for the organization’s leadership and future. During that meeting, the Board appointed longtime staff members Lauren Grandestaff as interim executive director and Francisco Vara-Orta as interim deputy executive director.

“While our hearts are broken into a thousand pieces, it is the honor of my lifetime to lead the staff and organization through this profoundly difficult period,” Grandestaff said. “Following in her footsteps, I will work tirelessly to honor her legacy of inclusion and belonging; of bringing people together; of leading with kindness and compassion; and of making sure everyone has a seat (and a plate of yummy food!) at the IRE table. Diana’s time with us was far too short but her spirit will live on in all of us for the rest of our one precious life.”

Grandestaff has worked at IRE since 2011 and was promoted last year to deputy executive director. Vara-Orta joined IRE in 2019 as a training director and has been director of diversity and inclusion since 2019. 

“As someone who knew and worked with Diana for over two decades in various journalism spaces, I know she would want the work we do to continue, especially in these times and to continue to safeguard IRE,” Vara-Orta said. “I learned a lot from Diana throughout the years, and even though I was a foot taller than her, she is the one who I looked up to and owe her a lot, as do many of my peers and hers too. I call on our community to come together to work for the greater common good as Diana led by example.”

Under this interim leadership, IRE will continue its search for a new director of development and will soon begin the process of identifying a permanent executive director.

“The Board is committed to ensuring stability and continuity during this difficult time,” said IRE Board President Josh Hinkle. “We are grateful to Lauren and Francisco for stepping into these roles and helping guide IRE forward while we honor Diana’s extraordinary legacy.”

As part of that commitment to honoring Fuentes’ work, the Board also approved her nomination to IRE’s Ring of Honor, which recognizes members who have made significant contributions to the organization and the journalism industry. The $2,500 donation benchmark required for induction was met swiftly, reflecting the deep admiration and respect held for Fuentes across the community.

IRE welcomes donations made in her memory to help create an IRE training fund in her name, ensuring her impact continues to empower and inspire future generations of journalists.

Those wishing to honor Fuentes’ life and her mark on the journalism industry may contribute to the fund by visiting IRE’s donation form and writing “Diana Fuentes” in the memory/tribute field.

About IRE
Investigative Reporters and Editors Inc. is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of investigative reporting. IRE was formed to create a forum in which journalists throughout the world could help each other by sharing story ideas, newsgathering techniques, and news sources.

IRE provides members access to thousands of reporting tipsheets and other materials through its Resource Center and hosts conferences and specialized training across the country. Programs of IRE include the National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting (NICAR), a collaboration between IRE and the University of Missouri School of Journalism.Learn more about joining IRE and the benefits of membership.

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