• July 9, 2008

TheRoot has named Donna Byrd publisher and Omar Wasow product strategist. The socially- and politically-oriented online magazine, a division of The Washington Post Co.'s Slate Group, launched in January 2008.

Byrd brings a wealth of marketing and sales strategy experience to her new role, including stints at The Coca-Cola Company and P&G. She most recently served as CEO of Black America Web, a leading African-American news and lifestyle Web site.

"To me, The Root fills a void in African-American media," Byrd said. "In an environment where most major Web sites aimed at black audiences offer primarily entertainment news, The Root offers a deeper, more meaningful discourse on issues of importance to black people. We provide a platform for smart discussion and debate."

Wasow, meanwhile, will be responsible for developing social media and community-building tools within TheRoot, as well as spearheading evolution in the site's design. Wasow is a co-founder of the social networking site BlackPlanet, which grew to amass more than 3 million unique monthly visitors under his leadership. --Tameka Kee