Pictured (from L-R): Dean Murphy, Desiree Hanford and Charles Whitaker
Dean Murphy, an award-winning journalist at The New York Times, an author and longtime member of the Board of Governors at the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, was presented with the organization’s President’s Award at its annual conference, #SABEW24, held at the Chicago campus of his alma mater, Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications.
Murphy was honored April 19 for his contributions to business journalism and to several key SABEW initiatives, including chairing a task force that led to the organization’s sponsorship, donor and gift policy; chairing two consecutive conference committees; and mentoring young journalists.
“This award recognizes Dean’s fervent commitment to pursuing journalism with the highest of ethical standards and practices,” said Desiree Hanford, SABEW’s president for 2023-24 and a Medill professor. “Dean is thoughtful and intentional in his guidance and decision-making and never fails to lead by doing.“
Murphy is an associate editor at The Times and serves on the newsroom’s leadership team. He co-manages the investigative desk, where journalists take on particularly sensitive and hard-to-crack subjects, often involving businesses, powerful institutions, and corporate and public figures. Previously he held roles at The Times as business editor, weekend editor and deputy national editor.
Murphy has contributed as a reporter or editor to journalism awarded six Pulitzer Prizes. His career has spanned three decades and three continents, including assignments as a war correspondent in Europe and Africa for the Los Angeles Times and a political reporter in California and New York. He is also the author of a book about the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
“Despite Dean’s many accomplishments and accolades, he is always gracious and makes new SABEW members feel welcome,” Hanford said. “In particular, he is always ready to lend a hand to university students who are studying journalism. Drawing on his experiences, he impresses upon them the tenets of exceptional journalism and the importance of accuracy.”
Murphy said he was especially honored to receive the award at Medill and from Hanford, who he praised for expertly navigating SABEW through a year of transition and positioning the organization for continued success as it marks its 60th anniversary. SABEW is the largest professional association devoted to promoting excellence in business journalism.
“Getting to ride the updraft of Desi’s impressive presidency has been so much fun,” Murphy said. “SABEW is stronger because of her collaborative leadership, high standards and dedication to serving and growing our membership. We want everyone to feel welcome and valued here, and Desi achieves that purposely and wholeheartedly.”
