MIAMI – Akron Beacon Journal President and Publisher James N. Crutchfield has been elected to the board of trustees of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Crutchfield, 56, replaces former Grand Forks Herald publisher Michael Maidenberg, who vacated his board seat in March to become Knight Foundation’s vice president and chief program officer.

“Jim Crutchfield is a thoughtful, sensible, committed leader locally and in Northeast Ohio, as well as in the field of journalism,” said W. Gerald Austen, M.D., chairman of Knight Foundation’s board of trustees. “He will add much to our foundation’s mission, and we’re delighted to have him join us.”

Crutchfield is familiar with the foundation’s work, having served as the chair of Knight’s Akron Community Advisory Committee. He is active in local affairs, serving on a number of boards including the United Way of Summit County, Akron Community Foundation and Greater Akron Chamber. He chairs the 2004 fund-raising campaign of the United Way of Summit County . He also serves on the boards of the Ohio Newspaper Association and Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Crutchfield is a native of McKeesport, Pa. He has a bachelor’s degree in communication from Duquesne University . He started his career in journalism in 1968 as a reporter for The Pittsburgh Press and has held numerous positions in newsroom management, including deputy managing editor for news at the Detroit Free Press and senior vice president and executive editor for the Press-Telegram in Long Beach, Calif.

“I’m honored to join the Knight Foundation board,” Crutchfield said. “I share Knight Foundation’s values, and I look forward to offering my perspective in the discussions about how to carry forward the legacy of Jack and Jim Knight.”

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation promotes excellence in journalism worldwide and invests in the vitality of 26 U.S. communities.