Nancy Gibbs

Nancy Gibbs

Nancy Gibbs is a professor of Public policy, politics, and press in addition to being the Shorenstein Center Director. She researches how technological, economic, political, and social forces shape the media. She does this, hoping to develop a strong culture of free information.

Before her current job, Nancy Gibbs worked at TIME as Editor in Chief, overseeing the feature and news coverage for the entire publication. She made history as the first woman editor of the publication and is still the Editor at Large.

As Editor at Large, Gibbs guided the publication through the launch of Red Border Films, the documentary division; the creation of a 24/7 news operation; digital transformation; and expansion into live events, ecommerce, and photography.

She has also overseen content for Fortune, Money, and TIME, in addition to serving as Editorial Director for the Time Inc. News Group. She was in charge of TIME’s September 11 special issue, reported on four presidential campaigns, and produced a bunch of cover stories.

Gibbs has interviewed top business executives, U.S. presidents, world leaders, and leading political figures. She has been invited as a guest on radio and television news programs and has been an essayist and consultant for CBS News and PBS NewsHour.

Nancy has spoken at the World Economic Forum, the Aspen Institute, and presidential libraries, giving lectures on leadership, the presidency, the press, and other global issues. She also serves on several councils and boards on public information, media, society, and leadership.

Given her background, Nancy Gibbs published The Preacher and the Presidents in 2007, in which she shares the story of the close relationships that Billy Graham had with American presidents.

She tells of how the likes of George Bush and Harry Truman turned to Graham for prayer, advice, comfort, and sometimes political advice over the years. He explains how politics and faith intertwined in Graham's provision of spiritual nourishment, even as he respected their public roles and power.

Drawing from historical records and interviews, she examines the unique friendships and how these impacted American leadership and life.

Five years later, Nancy Gibbs published The Presidents Club, in which she examines the private relationships between American presidents and how these shaped history.

She explains how former presidents form groups after leaving office, intended to advise and help the current president. For instance, Herbert Hoover and Harry Truman worked together at Dwight D. Eisenhower's inauguration.

Nancy also describes the secret deals, rivalries, and partnerships that happen behind the scenes of American politics.

Nancy Gibbs: F.A.Q