On Background: Meet Heidi Finley, assistant editor with CharlotteFive
This mini Q&A vignette is a part of an going series called “On Background” to reacquaint readers with the team of journalists working in our newsroom. Responses edited for clarity.
Heidi Finley is an assistant editor for CharlotteFive and writes about food and fun things to do in the Queen City. She also edits the freelancers who write about the same. She joined the Charlotte Observer as a part-timer in 2017 and has worked various roles, including editing newsletters and covering the arts.
Previously, she was an editor at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in Little Rock for 16 years. She began her career as a copy editor and wire editor. Heidi later became a state editor, among the last of a dying breed, working with bureaus all across the state on education, health, city government, court cases and weather.
When Heidi and her family first moved to Charlotte, she took a hiatus from journalism when her children were young.
She loves working at CharlotteFive and sharing news everyone can use — such as telling people where to get a great banh mi or where the newest Latin food spot has opened up.
How did you get into journalism?
My 8th grade social studies teacher was a radio journalist, and he suggested I try it out. I’ve been reporting and editing ever since.
What excites you about this field?
Not a day goes by without finding out something I didn’t know yesterday or meeting someone new. It’s a pleasure being intellectually curious for a living.
What is the most interesting aspect of your beat/job?
I write about food and entertainment — things that make people happy. And the part I love the most is digging into restaurant menus to find the city’s most inventive cuisine. I’m always learning new things about ingredients and food trends.
Words of wisdom you’ve received?
Every person has their own version of a story, even in a shared experience.
Proud life moments? Something you’d like to improve?
I’m proud to have a nationwide network of journalism colleagues I can call friends. Social media isn’t always a blessing, but it does help us maintain connections — and that makes it worth it. Plus, there’s always more to learn and new ways to grow with social media.
Fun fact about you?
The most famous person I’ve ever interviewed is fashion designer Anna Sui, whose work was exhibited late 2021 and early this year at Mint Museum-Randolph. We had a great conversation, and my daughters were impressed!
