Kenny Irby

Kenny Irby is Poynter’s senior faculty and director of community relations. Currently, he directs The Write Field initiative, a dynamic new academic enrichment and mentoring program for middle school minority male youth. He is an integral figure in visual journalism education, having founded Poynter’s photojournalism program in 1995. He teaches and consults in the areas of photographic reporting, leadership, ethical decision making and diversity.

During his 18-year tenure at Poynter, Kenny has traveled to Nigeria, the Netherlands, Denmark, Canada, Jamaica, Singapore, South Africa and Russia, preaching excellence in photojournalism and truth-telling. He chaired the 2007 Pulitzer Prize photography categories, lectured at the World Press Photos buddy training program and the International Center of Photography, is a member of the Eddie Adams Workshop board, and is a founding member of National Press Photographers Association, and The Best of Photojournalism (BOP) Committee. He is the recipient of numerous awards: 2007 Sprague Award (the NPPA’s highest honor), 2006 Society for News Design President’s 2002 NPPA President’s Award, 1999 Joseph Costa Award and others. Kenny is a frequent lecturer, teacher and author on photographic reporting issues, most recently with NPR.