Deseret News hires Allison Pond as editorial writer

SALT LAKE CITY — The Deseret News, Utah's oldest continually published daily newspaper, announced Thursday that it has expanded its editorial leadership team with Allison Pond, who will serve as an editorial writer.

Pond will work closely with Paul Edwards, editorial page editor for the newspaper, to write daily pieces for the paper's print and online editorial sections. She will also write separately about issues of faith, education and family life.

Pond joins the Deseret News after serving as a research associate at the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, which conducts social science research nationally and around the world. She holds a master's degree in public policy from Georgetown University and a bachelor's degree in communications from Brigham Young University. Pond has also held positions with the American Enterprise Institute and the International and Government Affairs Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"Allison's addition to the Deseret News team reflects the newspaper's commitment to strategically invest in talented writers who bring a knowledgeable and thought-provoking world view to our products," said Clark Gilbert, president and CEO of the Deseret News. "Allison's most recent experience with the Pew Forum brings tremendous insights on family and faith that will resonate with our readers."

"I am excited to add such a seasoned professional as Allison to our team," Edwards said. "Her journalistic and analytical abilities will play an integral part in expanding our editorial page, and I look forward to working with her in this role."

"The Deseret News has positioned itself as a tremendous media resource for its readers, and I look forward to writing about issues that affect both those along the Wasatch Front and across the nation," Pond said.

The Deseret News is a part of Deseret Media Companies.