FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Rochester, New York — March 4, 2026 — The board of The Kalish Visual Editing Workshop is pleased to announce the appointment of Alanna Laforet as its new Executive Director. Laforet brings a distinguished career spanning media, technology, and creative leadership, positioning her to help guide The Kalish into its next phase of growth and influence.

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“The Kalish experience has transformed many lives and careers, including my own, since the first workshop in 1990,” said Sue Morrow, a board member and former director. “The board is excited to welcome Alanna as we continue to advance the workshop, which has remained relevant for over 35 years.”

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Throughout her career, Laforet has worked at the intersection of balancing innovation with a strong commitment to creative integrity. She previously led digital sales initiatives at Condé Nast and later oversaw global technical advertising standards at the IAB Tech Lab, where she focused on harmonizing technology, creativity, and economics. 

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“We are living through a moment when the definition of a photograph is being contested at every level — by technology, by commerce, and by the quiet erosion of the trust that makes images matter,” Laforet said.

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“When images are technologically optimized for pleasing aesthetics and emotional response rather than truth, and when editorial judgment is replaced by algorithmic efficiency, something essential is lost,” she continued. “Stan Kalish understood that the picture editor's job is not to choose the most striking image — it is to serve the truth of a story. I join this work with that same conviction, profound respect for everyone who has kept this tradition alive, and a deep belief that what we do here has never been more necessary.”

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Photography has remained a constant in Laforet’s work. She has collaborated on initiatives that elevate the cultural and aesthetic importance of the photograph and is currently developing a project to revive fine-art printmaking and modern archival workflows. Her experience includes partnering with camera companies to host creative retreats in remote locations and directly funding emerging artists.

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In her new role, Laforet will focus on expanding The Kalish’s impact at a pivotal moment for visual journalism. Her vision centers on strengthening three core pillars:

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• Creative excellence rooted in traditional visual storytelling values

• Technical fluency across emerging tools, AI, distribution channels, and archival practices

• Sustainable career pathways that support editors and photographers’ long-term success

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“My vision for the future of The Kalish is to help it grow as a place where visual storytellers are not only trained in craft, but also supported in navigating the rapidly evolving intersection of technology, media, and creative expression,” Laforet said.

 

“The Kalish has long been a place where photographers develop voice and vision,” Laforet added. “I look forward to helping the program continue evolving as a space where visual storytellers can create extraordinary work and build meaningful, lasting careers.”

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About The Kalish Visual Editing Workshop
The Kalish Visual Editing Workshop is dedicated to advancing excellence in visual storytelling through rigorous training, critical dialogue, and community support for emerging and established visual journalists.

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Contact:
The Kalish
stankalishworkshop@gmail.com