Randy Essex

Randy Essex is an experienced journalist and editor currently serving as the Autos Editor at the Detroit Free Press since July 2022, overseeing coverage in the auto, environment, and city government sectors. With a robust background that includes previous roles as Senior Content Director and Deputy Managing Editor at the same organization, Randy also held positions as Content Editor for Money at USA TODAY and Executive Editor at the Omaha World-Herald. Additional experience includes publishing and editing at the Glenwood Springs Post Independent and serving as Senior Editor/News at the Cincinnati Enquirer, where Randy initiated coverage of the opioid crisis. Previous positions at the Des Moines Register and Idaho Statesman highlight a strong editorial leadership history. Randy holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Political Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and completed a fellowship in Mexican-American history and relations at The University of Texas at Austin.