Subject: Hard not to admire; wrong to begrudge

Colleagues,

I want to share with you bittersweet news I first learned a week ago. Emily Lenzner, whose work I deeply admire, is leaving us in favor of a posting that is hard to begrudge her. Emily has accepted an offer by the Motion Picture Association to become their Executive Vice President for Global Communications. Who among us wouldn't go with her?

Emily has been a remarkable success in her six years in the top rank of our company. She is part of the team that resurrected the reputation of The Atlantic, a levitation so wholly against the odds that it is hard to believe. Similarly, she promoted National Journal and Government Executive as they reintroduced themselves to the Washington market with new products and new business models. Emily managed the departure of Quartz as we sold the publication to Uzabase and she welcomed Emerson Collective and Laurene Powell Jobs as they joined us at The Atlantic.

Where I came to know Emily best were in the hardest hours. Emily took the lead when reporters chose to cover missteps in my leadership of media. Of far greater significance, Emily proved the principal personal support to a handful of families whose children disappeared into the hands of ISIS, al Nusra and Mideast dictatorships. Emily started simply advising hostage families on their media strategies. But, as have so many of us here, the families became close to Emily, leaning on her kindness and bedrock support.

What I learned of Emily is that she is shot through with finest character. She is as kind as any colleague I think I've had. And, as to her causes, she is unflaggingly brave. Life is a sine curve of ups and downs. I appreciated Emily greatly in the "ups", but found her peerless, unmatched, unequaled in life's "downs."

Emily would be forgiven were she to forget us midst the demands of Matt Damon this and Angelina that. But, she has agreed to stay with us in our hostage work and, I would guess, in a continuing affection for Atlantic Media.

Congratulations and Godspeed, Emily Lenzner.

And, my best to you all.

David