Seattle, WA – Food Safety News announced today the appointment of Morgan Holm as Executive Director and Editor in Chief, effective Feb. 1, 2026. Holm brings 35 years of distinguished journalism and media leadership experience, most recently as Senior Vice President and Chief Content Officer at Oregon Public Broadcasting, where he transformed the organization into a leading regional news outlet and pioneer in digital-first public media.
The appointment marks a significant milestone in FSN’s evolution as a nonprofit organization. With the successful launch of its reader-supported membership model in December 2025, Food Safety News is positioned for sustainable growth and expanded impact in independent food safety journalism.
“Morgan is exactly the right leader for this moment,” said Peter Gustafson, President of the Board at Food Safety News. “His vision for collaborative, mission-driven journalism aligns perfectly with FSN’s long-term strategy, and his track record of building sustainable media organizations while maintaining editorial independence gives us tremendous confidence in the road ahead. The Board is united in our support, and we’re excited about the continuity and growth he’ll bring to FSN.”
Holm’s three-decade tenure at Oregon Public Broadcasting included overseeing all local content production across radio, TV, and digital platforms, spearheading major digital modernization initiatives, championing collaborative journalism partnerships, and leading award-winning coverage. Under his leadership, OPB won a Peabody Award and launched popular programs like the daily talk show Think Out Loud. He also pioneered partnerships with local newspapers to strengthen the regional news ecosystem and implemented initiatives focused on staff diversity and newsroom ethics.
“I joined the FSN Board last summer and have watched closely as Peter and the team transformed this organization,” said Holm. “Independent food safety journalism has never been more critical. The FSN Board’s vision of a sustainable, reader-supported model is exactly what independent media needs, and I’m committed to building on the incredible momentum FSN has created.”
Bill Marler, Founder and Publisher of Food Safety News, added: “For 16 years, I’ve personally funded FSN because someone needs to watch. But this publication is bigger than me. It belongs to the food safety community. Morgan gets that. He understands the mission deeply and shares our commitment to independence and integrity. I’m passing the torch to someone I trust completely, and that gives me peace of mind about FSN’s future.”
Holm will inherit an organization that has established itself as the leading independent voice in food safety journalism, serving food safety professionals, industry leaders, policymakers, and consumers worldwide with breaking news and in-depth analysis. The December 2025 membership launch generated strong early adoption, validating reader demand for independent, ad-free food safety coverage.
Prior to joining OPB in 1990, Holm began his journalism career at Jefferson Public Radio in 1986. He holds a degree from Southern Oregon University.
Peter Gustafson will remain as President of the Board and continue to guide FSN’s strategic direction while stepping back from day-to-day operations.
About Food Safety News
Food Safety News is an independent, nonprofit publication dedicated to investigative reporting on foodborne illness outbreaks, food recalls and regulatory developments affecting the global food supply. Founded in 2009, FSN serves food safety professionals, industry leaders, policymakers and consumers with breaking news and in-depth analysis.
For more information, visit foodsafetynews.com.
To subscribe to FSN+, visit foodsafetynews.com/membership.
Media Contact:
Morgan Holm
Executive Director and Editor in Chief Food Safety News
[email protected]
503-539-3099
