Eric Marsh Sr. speaks during a panel discussion recently in Philadelphia. He has been named Director of the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting beginning May 1, 2026. Photograph by Kriston Jae Bethel for PCGVR.
Appointment marks new chapter for organization as it deepens impact and expands reach
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Philadelphia, PA — The Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting (PCGVR) today announced that Eric Marsh Sr. has been named Director of the organization, succeeding founder and outgoing Director Jim MacMillan. The leadership transition, which has been underway for more than a year, takes effect this Friday, May 1, 2026. MacMillan will remain in an advisory role through the end of June to ensure a seamless handoff.
The announcement represents a planned succession and strategic evolution for PCGVR, which collaborates with journalists, researchers, and the survivor community across the United States to advance more empathetic, ethical, and impactful journalism about gun violence. Since its establishment in 2020, PCGVR has grown from a Philadelphia-based initiative into a nationally recognized organization with flagship programs including Survivor Connection, the Association of Gun Violence Reporters, and a multidisciplinary research collaborative.
Marsh joined PCGVR as Director of Operations in early 2025, though he had been part of the PCGVR community for several years prior, participating in events and building relationships with partners and funders. Before arriving at PCGVR, he held roles in nonprofit leadership, public health, city government, and news media. Since joining the staff, Marsh has overseen strategic planning, played an instrumental role in producing PCGVR’s What Now National Conference last fall, and managed two of the organization’s flagship programs. He is currently a fellow in the Sulzberger Executive Leadership Program at Columbia University.
“My goal has always been to build an organization that is strong enough to last beyond my own involvement. Passing the torch has never been an afterthought—it has been a measure of success,” MacMillan said. “I am proud to make this announcement from a position of stability, clarity, and growth for PCGVR. Eric is a builder, a connector, and someone who understands how to bring people together to create durable change. I am delighted to be leaving PCGVR in such capable hands.”
Marsh brings to the role a background in community organizing, entrepreneurship, and coalition building, as well as a deeply personal connection to the mission. He has lost two loved ones to gun violence and, like all PCGVR team members, firmly believes that changing the way stories of gun violence are told is essential to preventing it.
“I am honored to step into this role and to build on the strong foundation Jim created. His vision for PCGVR has changed the landscape of gun violence journalism, and I am proud to carry that work forward,” Marsh said. “I’m in this work for real change—to support ethical journalism, prevent violence, and create a safer, more well-informed community. We have already begun our next chapter: deepening local impact, expanding national reach, and strengthening our networks in newsrooms and communities affected by gun violence.”
Under Marsh’s leadership, PCGVR will continue its local work in Philadelphia while expanding its national footprint—strengthening journalism networks, amplifying evidence-based solutions, and working with communities impacted by gun violence. The organization will continue working closely with researchers, journalists, lived-experience experts, and philanthropic partners to advance its mission of preventing gun violence through narrative change.
Eric Marsh Sr. and Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting founding Director Jim MacMillan stand together for a photograph at their offices in January 2025, when Marsh first joined the staff as Director of Operations.
About PCGVR: The Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting collaborates across the United States with journalists, researchers, and the survivor community to advance more empathetic, ethical, and impactful journalism. Learn more at PCGVR.org.
Media Inquiries: pcgvr.org/contact