(photo credit: LeoSage Images)
Outlier Media (Outlier), the pioneering nonprofit newsroom dedicated to addressing Detroiters’ information needs, has announced a change in leadership. Candice Fortman, the Executive Director, will be stepping down, and Orlando Bailey has been appointed as her successor. Their tenure will overlap, with Bailey assuming his new role on June 3, working alongside Fortman for two months to ensure a seamless transition.
Founded eight years ago by Sarah Alvarez, Outlier’s Founder and Editor-in-Chief, the organization has been at the forefront of demonstrating how local news can better serve communities by focusing on their specific needs and addressing information gaps.
Reflecting on her time at Outlier, Fortman remarked, “After five transformative years, for me and for Outlier, I will be stepping down as executive director and assuming a position on the Outlier Media board of directors later this summer. I share this news with gratitude, optimism, and excitement about the future of Outlier and the leader succeeding me.”
Under Fortman’s leadership, Outlier has seen remarkable growth, securing over $7 million in philanthropic support since its inception in late 2016. The organization’s budget has grown from $75,000 to $1.8 million, expanding its reach and impact in the community.
Incoming Executive Director Orlando Bailey is an Emmy Award-winning journalist. He currently serves as the Director of Engagement for BridgeDetroit and co-hosts the podcast Authentically Detroit. His background in journalism, community engagement, nonprofit development, and entrepreneurship makes him uniquely qualified to lead Outlier at this pivotal time.
“Orlando is a deliberative, caring, and ambitious leader. He is exactly the kind of person who should be leading a news organization in Detroit, and our community will be better for it,” said Alvarez. “I know that under his stewardship, Outlier will continue to empower residents to demand accountability and positive change for themselves and each other.”
Fortman expressed her confidence in Bailey, stating, “We’ve found that leader in Orlando Bailey, who will join our team on June 3 as executive director. We’ve long admired Orlando’s work and deep commitment to Detroit.”
As Fortman transitions to her new role on Outlier’s board of directors, she leaves behind a strong legacy. She thanked the Outlier team, past and present, for their unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission. She also expressed gratitude to the supporters, partners, and communities that have believed in Outlier’s mission and the power of accessible, actionable information.
“While my role and relationship with Outlier are changing, the essence of what we’ve built together is enduring,” Fortman remarked. “Outlier Media Founder and Editor-in-Chief Sarah Alvarez will continue to head up journalistic coverage and oversee news products. She and Orlando will work as co-leaders, as she and I have over the last five years.”
In closing, Fortman reflected on her journey with Outlier, calling it her “love letter to the city that raised me, Detroit.” She expressed her commitment to continue working on projects that center communities and use storytelling to deepen connections. She expressed excitement for the future of Outlier and Detroit, confident that the organization will continue to grow and make a positive impact.
The transition in leadership marks a significant milestone in Outlier’s growth from a startup nonprofit to an established community voice. Kimberly Ross Clayson, Outlier’s board chair, remarked, “Outlier is such an important piece of the nonprofit news ecosystem in Detroit and around the world. I am eager to collaborate with our amazing team, drive material change, while submitting to and honoring the leadership within the pavements of our neighborhoods.”
Outlier’s commitment to serving Detroiters and addressing their information needs remains steadfast as they enter this new chapter under Orlando Bailey’s leadership.
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