PRESS RELEASE: The American Postliberal Announces New Leadership, Future of Publication & Formation of Editorial Board
From the Press Office of The American Postliberal
For Immediate Release: The American Postliberal Announces New Leadership, Future of Publication & Formation of Editorial Board
Media Inquiries: press@americanpostliberal.com
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, The American Postliberal (TAP) announced plans for the publication's future and leadership. Co-founder and editor-in-chief William Benson will depart TAP this month before the conclusion of his undergraduate studies at The Catholic University of America (CUA) this spring. Co-founder and TAP president Michael Ippolito departed in January as he continues to pursue his juris doctor at Albany Law School. Owen Lee and Joseph Shagoury, also undergraduates at CUA, will assume the roles of editor-in-chief and president, respectively. Additionally, TAP has formed an editorial board to manage the publication’s growing content, which will consist of the following individuals:
Joseph (Joey) Shagoury, President, The Catholic University of America ‘26
Owen Lee, Editor-in-Chief, The Catholic University of America ‘27
Shri Thakur, Acquisitions Editor, University of Notre Dame ‘26
Mason Letteau-Stallings, Senior Editor, Washington University in St. Louis ‘25
Daniel (Danny) Boyle, Senior Editor, The Catholic University of America ‘25
Over the last several months, TAP’s leadership has worked hard to make certain that the Editorial Board is well-prepared to usher in a new era of success. The Editorial Board will ensure that the publication continues to grow as a groundbreaking, conservative standard bearing, and “New Right” magazine. With the new administration in Washington, the publication will build upon its efforts to support the president, extending its readership further into the halls of government. The Editorial Board will officially transition on April 16, 2025.
Upon announcing the Editorial Board, outgoing editor-in-chief William Benson said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to have created this incredible publication and institution. In just two years, we have forged a community of thousands of subscribers and built a publication that has defined the political conversation on the Right in a way unseen before by a student-driven effort. I have complete confidence in the Editorial Board and their ability to lead. I am especially indebted to Dr. Chad Pecknold, our mentor and advisor on this project, without whom none of this would have been possible, and to all of the many friends made along the way. There is nothing quite like The American Postliberal, and while my time working here is at an end, I look forward to seeing everything that it is going to accomplish in the years to come.”
Former TAP president Michael Ippolito said, “TAP has shown itself to be a powerful voice for young Christians who no longer subscribe to the lies of liberalism. I am very proud of the hard work of our contributors and grateful to everyone who has supported the publication over the past few years. I want to thank our mentor, Dr. Chad Pecknold, and the ‘postliberal professors’ for their immense support for the publication. I look forward to the great work that will come from the Editorial Board. God bless you all!”
Incoming editor-in-chief Owen Lee said, “I am honored to have been chosen by my good friend, William Benson, to succeed him as editor-in-chief of TAP. I am excited to work with the Editorial Board to publish thought-provoking essays and lead this incredible publication into a very bright future.”
Incoming TAP president Joey Shagoury said, “I am excited to take on this new role at TAP. Having previously served as an editor, I look forward to advancing the magazine’s institutional mission as a flagship conservative and ‘New Right’ publication as its next president. Together, we will continue to expand our readership, host speaking events, and bring TAP to new nights. The best is yet to come!“
BACKGROUND:
The American Postliberal (TAP) is a nationally-run magazine of Catholic Political Realism focused on American, conservative, and postliberal political thought. Approaching the publication’s second anniversary, it boasts thousands of subscribers and dozens of contributors nationwide. Founded by William Benson and Michael Ippolito in 2023, the publication has gone on to define the political conversation on the American Right in a way not typically seen amongst young, student-driven publications.
Last year, TAP and the Collegiate Network (CN) at the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI) announced the formation of a strategic partnership to expand the reach and impact of TAP, while further growing the CN’s timeless support for independent collegiate journalism. This partnership opened several new doors, including grant funding and a new talent acquisition source for the rapidly growing publication.
TAP is always looking for new writers who are willing to share their talents with the publication. If you are interested in contributing to TAP’s next chapter, please contact business@americanpostliberal.com.
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