Michael McCarter is Vice President and Group Editor of the Opinion sections for USA TODAY Co., the parent company of USA TODAY. In this role, Michael oversees editorial strategy for the opinion teams and leads initiatives around Standards & Ethics across the USA TODAY Network, working with more than 2,000 journalists nationwide to uphold integrity and foster facts-first storytelling.

With over 25 years in journalism, Michael has held leadership roles that shaped newsrooms and opinion content at several publications. Before joining USA TODAY, he served as Executive Editor of the Evansville Courier & Press and Senior News Director at the Cincinnati Enquirer, following earlier editorial and photojournalism positions at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Shreveport Times, and Pensacola News Journal.

Michael’s career began with an unexpected turn from pre-med studies to photojournalism, leading to a distinguished path in multimedia storytelling and newsroom leadership. He has guided coverage of major national events, mentored emerging journalists, and championed diversity and ethics in media. His work has earned industry recognition, including innovation awards and induction into the Photojournalism Hall of Fame at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Beyond his editorial leadership, Michael has served on advisory boards for academic and tech organizations, contributing expertise on media ethics and consumer experience. He is a frequent speaker on topics such as journalistic standards, diversity in newsrooms, and the evolving role of opinion journalism.

McCarter briefed National Press Foundation fellows in December 2025: USA Today Interim Editor in Chief Michael McCarter’s Vision for 2026.