Peter Harkness, Founder & Publisher, Governing Magazine for pioneering Governing as a crucial resource for leaders of state and local governments.
Peter Harkness’ career in journalism rivals few others and placed him in a unique position to create a crucial resource for empowering elected officials. Harkness has been editor and publisher of Governing, a magazine for leaders of state and local governments, since it was founded over 20 years ago. Before that, he was editor and deputy publisher of the Congressional Quarterly (CQ), a Washington information company known for publishing what is regarded as the unofficial and independent “bible” covering the U.S. Congress. While Harkness has recently stepped down from his position at Governing, he is leaving behind a self-sustaining legacy that was built by his dedication and passion for empowering local and regional governments through media.
Harkness enjoyed a successful career at Congressional Quarterly up until 1986, when he realized there was a need for a resource that could provide intelligent analysis on management, policy and politics to leaders on the state, regional, and local level. The concept of such a publication stemmed from Harkness’ belief that much of the power, responsibility, and creativity needed to govern the country had moved out of Washington. Soon Governing magazine was born. Since its conception and under Harkness’ leadership, circulation has grown to more than 85,000 and the magazine has been nominated four times as a finalist for the National Magazine Award, the highest honor in the industry.
Harkness has watched government at all levels, from Washington to the states, cities and counties, for 35 years. His reporting assignments for CQ included the White House, Congress and national politics. As a result of his talent, Harkness was a recipient of the Raymond Clapper Award for investigative reporting awarded by the White House Correspondents’ Association, and is a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, one of the few journalists to be inducted into its membership.
Even as Harkness leaves Governing in capable hands, he will continue to make a difference in the field of state and local policy. Harkness is currently a contributing editor to Governing and other resources. He also recently accepted a position as Senior Advisor at the Pew Charitable Trusts and is currently the Chairman for the National Center for Biking and Walking. While Harkness has closed a chapter in his professional life, there is already evidence that he will continue to grow as one of the most respected and influential leaders in political journalism of our time.
Peter Harkness’ career in journalism rivals few others and placed him in a unique position to create a crucial resource for empowering elected officials. Harkness has been editor and publisher of Governing, a magazine for leaders of state and local governments, since it was founded over 20 years ago. Before that, he was editor and deputy publisher of the Congressional Quarterly (CQ), a Washington information company known for publishing what is regarded as the unofficial and independent “bible” covering the U.S. Congress. While Harkness has recently stepped down from his position at Governing, he is leaving behind a self-sustaining legacy that was built by his dedication and passion for empowering local and regional governments through media.
Harkness enjoyed a successful career at Congressional Quarterly up until 1986, when he realized there was a need for a resource that could provide intelligent analysis on management, policy and politics to leaders on the state, regional, and local level. The concept of such a publication stemmed from Harkness’ belief that much of the power, responsibility, and creativity needed to govern the country had moved out of Washington. Soon Governing magazine was born. Since its conception and under Harkness’ leadership, circulation has grown to more than 85,000 and the magazine has been nominated four times as a finalist for the National Magazine Award, the highest honor in the industry.
Harkness has watched government at all levels, from Washington to the states, cities and counties, for 35 years. His reporting assignments for CQ included the White House, Congress and national politics. As a result of his talent, Harkness was a recipient of the Raymond Clapper Award for investigative reporting awarded by the White House Correspondents’ Association, and is a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, one of the few journalists to be inducted into its membership.
Even as Harkness leaves Governing in capable hands, he will continue to make a difference in the field of state and local policy. Harkness is currently a contributing editor to Governing and other resources. He also recently accepted a position as Senior Advisor at the Pew Charitable Trusts and is currently the Chairman for the National Center for Biking and Walking. While Harkness has closed a chapter in his professional life, there is already evidence that he will continue to grow as one of the most respected and influential leaders in political journalism of our time.