Elaine Chen
About Elaine Chen
Elaine Chen serves as the Deputy Director of the Events Team at The New York Times, where she has been instrumental in leading significant projects, including a successful citizen science initiative. With a diverse background in media and law, she has held various roles at notable organizations such as WNYC Radio and the New York City Law Department.
Current Role at The New York Times
Elaine Chen serves as the Deputy Director of the Events Team at The New York Times, a position she has held since 2022. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing various events and initiatives that engage the public and enhance the newspaper's community presence. Her leadership contributes to the strategic planning and execution of events that align with the organization's mission.
Previous Experience at The New York Times
Elaine Chen previously worked at The New York Times as the Director of Engagement for the Events Team from 2021 to 2022. Prior to that, she was an Editor on the Digital Transition Team from 2017 to 2021. During her tenure, she played a significant role in enhancing the digital engagement strategies of the publication, focusing on audience interaction and content delivery.
Background in Radio and Podcasting
Elaine Chen has extensive experience in radio and podcast production. She worked at WNYC Radio as a Production Assistant for the Brian Lehrer Show in 2002 and later served as a Project Manager for Engagement on the Only Human podcast from 2014 to 2017. Additionally, she worked as a Freelance Digital Editor and Producer for The Takeaway in 2014, contributing to various digital media projects.
Legal and Academic Qualifications
Elaine Chen holds a Doctor of Law (J.D.) degree from Georgetown University Law Center, which she achieved in 2006. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from Columbia University in 2001. Her educational background supports her diverse career in media, law, and public engagement.
Achievements in Citizen Science and Event Programming
Elaine Chen conceived and led the first citizen science project at The New York Times in collaboration with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, resulting in 2.4 million pageviews and over 115,000 bird observations during the summer of 2023. She also spearheaded the programming for a highly successful climate event featuring prominent figures such as Bill Gates and three heads of state, showcasing her ability to organize impactful public events.