Don R. Hecker
About Don R. Hecker
Don R. Hecker is a freelance copy editor with over 40 years of experience in journalism, primarily in the Greater New York City Area. He has held various editorial roles at prominent publications, including The New York Times and The Daily News, and focuses on teaching and diversity consulting in the field.
Work at The New York Times
Don R. Hecker has held multiple positions at The New York Times over an extensive career spanning from 1992 to 2014. He served as a Copy Editor for six years, then progressed to the role of Copy Desk Chief from 1998 to 2001. Following this, he worked as Training Editor and Staff Editors from 2002 to 2011, focusing on the development of editorial staff. Hecker was appointed Director, a position he held from 2003 until 2014, and later took on the role of Senior Editor for 11 months in 2014. His tenure at The New York Times reflects a commitment to editorial excellence and staff training.
Freelance Copy Editing Experience
Since 2016, Don R. Hecker has been working as a freelance copy editor in the Greater New York City Area. In this role, he takes on editing projects on a case-by-case basis, which allows him to cover a broad range of news responsibilities and news-related writing. His freelance work enables him to apply his extensive experience in various editorial contexts while maintaining flexibility in his professional engagements.
Background in Journalism
Don R. Hecker began his journalism career at The Record, where he worked as a Copy Editor from 1978 to 1980. He then joined The Daily News, serving as a Copy Editor for ten years from 1982 to 1992. His foundational experiences in these roles contributed to his subsequent positions at The New York Times, where he developed a comprehensive understanding of editorial processes and newsroom dynamics.
Focus on Training and Education
Throughout his career, Don R. Hecker has emphasized the importance of training and education within the newsroom. He served as Manager of Training and Education at The New York Times from 2011 to 2013, where he focused on mentoring and developing the next generation of editors. His commitment to education extends to his current freelance work, where he continues to engage in teaching and consulting.
Diversity Consulting in Journalism
In addition to his editorial roles, Don R. Hecker engages in diversity consulting to assist organizations in recruiting and retaining journalists of color. This initiative reflects his commitment to fostering a more inclusive media landscape and ensuring diverse voices are represented in journalism.