Rhema Thompson Bland

Rhema Thompson Bland has a diverse range of work experience in the field of journalism and media. Rhema is currently serving as the Deputy Director of News Talent Acquisition & Development at McClatchy, a position they started in 2022. Prior to that, they worked at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as an Adjunct Professor and the Director of The Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting. In this role, they led the organization through significant growth, secured grants and major gifts, and increased member engagement. Before their time at UNC Chapel Hill, Bland was the Director of Student Media at East Carolina University, where they oversaw the student news, magazine, radio, and sales divisions. Rhema also played a key role in the planning and development of a new student media center and studio on campus. Bland has also worked as an Adjunct Professor and Student Media Advisor at Florida Gulf Coast University, an Enterprise Reporter at The Florida Times Union, an Adjunct Instructor at the University of North Florida, and a Reporter/Producer at WJCT Public Broadcasting. Rhema began their career as a Reporter at the Pensacola News Journal and as an Intern Reporter at the New York Daily News. As a Freelance Writer, they contributed to Focus on Dalian English and Chinese Magazine. Throughout their career, Bland has shown a commitment to journalism and media, with a focus on investigative reporting, talent development, and student media.

Rhema Thompson Bland received a Master of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism in 2008. Prior to that, they completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Sociology with a double-major at the University of Connecticut from 2002 to 2006.