USA TODAY, based in McLean, Va, named Maribel Perez Wadsworth its publisher, the second woman to hold the title. Wadsworth, a Cuban-American, is the first person of color to serve as publisher, reports USA TODAY.

According to USA TODAY, “Wadsworth, 45, has served as the flagship news organization’s associate publisher since November 2017 when publisher John Zidich announced his upcoming retirement. Zidich officially retired earlier this month.

“She will remain president of the USA TODAY NETWORK, which has 109 local media properties, a position she has also held for the last six months. In 2016, Wadsworth became the chief transformation officer for Gannett, which owns USA TODAY and the USA TODAY NETWORK, after serving as the organization’s chief strategy officer.”

A native of Miami, Wadsworth joined Gannett more than 20 years ago after graduating from the University of Miami. She began her career at the Associated Press, then began covering agriculture at the Rockford (Ill.) Register Star.  Subsequently, at The News-Press in Fort Myers (Fla.), Wadsworth was a reporter and held several editor positions including managing editor for more than three years until July 2009.

Wadsworth joined Gannett’s corporate team in 2009, spearheading digital efforts and audience development.