One of the most intense and scrutinized job searches in America has ended with a history-making hire. Sally Buzbee is the new leader of The Washington Post newsroom. She’ll be taking over as executive editor from Marty Baron, who stepped down in February. In announcing the decision, publisher Fred Ryan praised Buzbee’s “absolute integrity, boundless energy, and dedication” as reasons for why she was the perfect person for the job.

Breaking: Washington Post names @SallyBuzbee of the Associated Press as new executive editor, succeeding Marty Baron. Buzbee is the first woman appointed to the top newsroom job in Post’s 144-year history. Story by me: https://t.co/5AGhRGPjXq

— Paul Farhi (@farhip) May 11, 2021