James McNair, a veteran investigative reporter who specializes in business and finance issues, is the latest hire for the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting.
McNair has worked 29 years in journalism, the bulk of them at the Miami Herald and the Cincinnati Enquirer. In both roles his investigations have unearthed fraudulent schemes and unethical business practices.
A Cincinnati resident, McNair has worked since 2007 as an independent researcher for hedge funds, a role in which he is responsible for combing through records, digging through corporate filings and assisting the company in analyzing the health of businesses.
"Investigative reporting is an endangered form of journalism at a time when Kentucky consumers, voters, workers and residents need it more than ever," McNair said. "I look forward to helping make the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting an essential source of information that will incite people to think and demand answers."
McNair has Kentucky roots, having spent his teen years in the Commonwealth. He attended high school outside Fort Campbell where his father served in the military. McNair then served three years in the Army himself, mostly stationed in Germany. He later earned a B.A. of Journalism from the University of Kentucky.
His first reporting job took him to The Coalfield Progress in Norton, Va. McNair then worked for newspapers in Tennessee, Virginia and Florida, before landing at the Miami Herald. He joined the Cincinnati Enquirer as a senior business writer in 2001.
"Jim is an aggressive, thoughtful reporter who knows the ins and outs of the business world," said KyCIR Managing Editor Brendan McCarthy. "His skills are a great addition to our strong, veteran investigative reporting staff."
McNair joins reporter R.G. Dunlop, who has investigated all corners of Kentucky over the last four decades, and Kristina Goetz, a seasoned reporter who specializes in criminal justice, in the newsroom.
The Center is continuing its national search for an additional investigative reporter. McNair will join the newsroom this month.