Michael Ouimette

Michael Ouimette is the chief investment officer of the American Journalism Project, a venture philanthropy dedicated to rebuilding local news. He leads the organization’s investment strategy and programmatic work, directing $15 million annually in philanthropic capital and overseeing a portfolio of more than 50 nonprofit news organizations serving 105 communities across 38 states.

Michael operates at the intersection of investor and builder. He leads AJP’s Growth Investments program, backing established nonprofit news organizations with capital and hands-on support to accelerate revenue and sustainability. Across 28 completed investments, those organizations have more than doubled their annual revenue, adding over $50 million in new revenue and nearly 250 journalists.

In addition, He also drives AJP’s Local Philanthropy Partnerships, mobilizing more than $75 million in local civic funding to launch and sustain new nonprofit newsrooms in communities across the country. Michael leads AJP’s Startup Studio, where he has launched four nonprofit news organizations—LA Local, Signal Ohio, Free Press Indiana, and Tulsa Flyer. He serves as interim CEO during each organization’s founding year, working with local civic leaders to build boards, recruit leadership, and stand up operations.

Previously, Michael led digital strategy and operations and the domestic direct-to-consumer businesses at VICE Media, where he launched the company’s first U.S. subscription product and ran its editorial events business.

Michael is a graduate of Columbia University. He serves on the boards of Signal Ohio, Free Press Indiana, Tulsa Flyer, The LA Local, and the Columbia Daily Spectator, and is based in New York.