About Washingtonian

Who We Are

Washingtonian Media is the parent company of the flagship Washingtonian Magazine—the capital region’s leading magazine founded in 1965 with more than 400,000 readers and five National Magazine Awards—as well as Washingtonian.com, which attracts over 2.5 million monthly page views, and the brand’s social platforms, which reach more than one million followers. The company also publishes Washingtonian Weddings and hosts numerous events each year through Washingtonian Events, a team of producers known for nationally recognized, award-winning gatherings. Washingtonian Custom Media, a full-service content marketing agency, rounds out the portfolio. Cathy Merrill, CEO and owner, is proud to lead a certified women-owned small business.

Mission 

To help our readers get the most out of living in the Washington D.C region. 

Our Vision

Our vision is to create a distinctly local window into what is best about our region and how it works. We aim to help Washingtonians live better lives through providing smart visually-stimulating content focused on the Washington D.C. Region. We deliver engaging, trusted content to a smart and educated audience.   

Our Values

At Washingtonian, our values guide everything we do. We care deeply about our community and the people who make it thrive. Our reputation is built through trust, dedication, and consistency, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards of excellence—striving to make each issue better than the last. We believe our success is intertwined with that of our partners and advertisers, and we work to ensure they prosper alongside us. We honor the trust of our readers by always putting them first and upholding the strongest sense of editorial integrity and honesty. We foster a welcoming, friendly culture where everyone feels valued, and we aim to help our readers live better, more informed lives every day.

Company History

Washingtonian Magazine was founded in October 1965 by Laughlin Phillips, a former CIA agent turned journalist and art lover who would later found the Phillips Collection art gallery.  Philip Merrill, an Annapolis newspaperman and owner of Baltimore Magazine, purchased Washingtonian in early 1979. He kept on long-time editor Jack Limpert, who would go on to be the longest serving magazine editor in the United States. Together they invested in service journalism and first-rate stories and profiles on how Washington works, mixed with fun and gossip. Under Limpert’s 42-year tenure Washingtonian became the country’s leading city magazine and won five National Magazine Awards plus hundreds of other City and Regional Magazine awards. During his 28 years at the helm of Washingtonian, Philip Merrill also spent time serving in government with full-time roles in the Defense Department, NATO and the Export-Import Bank. His wife, Eleanor Merrill, would take over as publisher when he was serving the country.  Philip Merrill passed away in 2006 and was succeeded by his daughter Cathy Merrill. She sold the Annapolis newspapers (Baltimore Magazine was sold in the 1990s to a local Baltimore owner) and began expansion at Washingtonian.  Cathy first expanded Washingtonian’s online efforts and oversaw the growth of Washingtonian.com. She then started our Events business which now holds 20-30 events a year and began publishing the semiannual Washingtonian Weddings. Under her leadership Washingtonian Custom Publishing division—which makes magazines, books, brochures and annual reports—was started in 2011.

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Washingtonian Leadership

Catherine Merrill

CEO & President

Since 2006, Catherine Merrill has served as CEO and Owner of Washingtonian Media, parent company of the flagship Washingtonian—the capital region’s leading magazine for nearly six decades, with more than 400,000 readers and five National Magazine Awards. She also oversees Washingtonian.com, which attracts over 3 million monthly page views, and the brand’s social platforms, reaching more than one million followers. Under her leadership, the company has expanded with Washingtonian Weddings, the Washingtonian Welcome Guide, Washingtonian Events—producer of nationally recognized, award-winning events—and Washingtonian Custom Media, a full-service content marketing agency. She is proud to be certified as a women-owned small business.

From 2002 to 2007, Ms. Merrill served as Director of Operations for Affiliated Computer Services (ACS), where she helped manage and collect 60 percent of the nation’s tolls—$2.7 billion a year—including the majority of the E-ZPass network. From 1995 to 2002, she was a partner in the worldwide management consulting firm Oliver Wyman.

Ms. Merrill is deeply engaged in the community and currently serves on the boards of Cornell University; Ford’s Theatre; the Board of Visitors for the School of Journalism at the University of Maryland, College Park; Cornell University’s College of Arts and Sciences; and The Merrill Family Foundation. She is a founding member and serves on the Board of Advisors of the Fallen Journalists Memorial Foundation, and sits on the National Advisory Council for the Trust for the National Mall.Her past board service includes roles as a trustee of the University of Maryland, College Park; the City and Regional Magazine Association; and the Greater Washington Board of Trade.

Ms. Merrill is a member and former chapter chair of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), and remains active in the Economic Club of Washington and the Federal City Council.

Her media appearances include CNN, the Today show, FOX, MSNBC, and various Washington, D.C. area news outlets.

Sherri Dalphonse

Editor in chief

Sherri Dalphonse joined Washingtonian in 1986 as an editorial intern, and worked her way to the top of the masthead when she was named editor-in-chief in 2022. She oversees the magazine’s editorial staff, and guides the magazine’s stories and direction. A member of the Leadership Greater Washington Class of 2001, she lives in Washington, DC.

Susan Farkas

Publisher

Susan Farkas is the Publisher of Washingtonian, a role she has held since 2016 after rejoining the magazine as Associate Publisher in 2015. She oversees the brand’s business operations and revenue strategy across print, digital, and live events including marquee franchises such as Best of Washington. She works closely with the editorial and marketing teams to grow audience and advertiser value. Under her leadership, Washingtonian continues to be one of the country’s most influential city magazines and a go-to media partner for the region’s top institutions and brands.

Prior to Washingtonian, Susan had an extensive background in media having worked for CQ Roll Call/The Economist Group, Boston magazine, Foreign Policy, Entertainment Tonight, and Marie Claire. Beyond her day-to-day leadership, she is active in the industry and the community: she serves as the President of the City & Regional Magazine Association (CRMA) and on the Council for Women of Boston College. She is a graduate of the Leadership Greater Washington’s Class of 2022, and is a member of YPO. She lives in Washington, DC.

James Byles

President, Washingtonian Custom Media

James Byles is President of Washingtonian Custom Media, where he has built and led the division since its inception in 2012. Overseeing strategy, operations, and client service, James leads a dynamic team delivering award-winning magazines, digital products, and branded content tailored for mission-driven organizations, associations, and corporate partners. He leads the full lifecycle of custom publications—from ideation through production and launch while advising C-suite clients on content strategy and market engagement,and ensuring long-term strategic growth for the business.

With more than two decades of experience in business development, marketing, and communications leadership, he is recognized for his ability to design impactful brand strategies, drive business line expansion, and mentor cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence. His prior roles include leading high-growth advertising and publishing firms, and he continues to serve as an advisor and board member for several organizations committed to media innovation and nonprofit advancement.

Oksana Squires

Vice President of Finance

Oksana’s journey with Washingtonian began in 2011 as a Staff Accountant, and after broadening her experience across different industries, she returned in 2018 as Controller before stepping into her current role. Today, she oversees Accounting, Audience Development, Production, and IT – bringing together the numbers and the systems that keep operations running smoothly. She holds an MBA from Marymount University, and her somewhat unconventional path – from getting her BA in Linguistics in Ukraine to becoming a finance professional in DC media – has taught her that the best solutions often come from looking at problems from different angles. She brings a unique perspective to finance leadership, combining sharp analytical skills with meticulous attention to detail.

Jacob Raim

Senior Director, Digital Products

Jacob leads Washingtonian’s team of agile designers and developers. He oversees and guides the Media Company’s overarching digital strategy and is responsible for managing all web properties, digital content, and other digital channels and projects. A digital native with extensive experience in online marketing, content, and sales, Jacob seeks to drive digital growth in all facets.

Prior to his career at Washingtonian, Jacob worked at Monumental Sports and Entertainment for 10 years. He spent the first five as the lead web developer, and the next five leading the digital strategy for the organization.

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About Washingtonian Custom Media

Washingtonian Custom Media is a full-service custom publisher powered by award-winning writers, editors, and designers from Washingtonian magazine. WCM helps clients connect directly with their target audiences through custom content, print and digital publications, responsive websites, strategic social media, mobile apps, branded events, and more. WCM creates sophisticated media products for its clients that make a lasting impact. We’ll help you tell your story the way it’s meant to be told—powerfully, vividly, and persuasively. For information on custom media call 202-862-3500 or visit washingtoniancustommedia.com.

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