Knowles joins 1440 following a tenure as Global VP of People at OBMedia. Reporting to CEO and co-founder Tim Huelskamp, she is tasked with scaling organizational design and talent development. Her background includes leadership roles at Magnopus and NaviHealth, with a focus on building high-performing infrastructure. Knowles aims to preserve the company’s internal culture while managing the complexities of rapid growth.

Standafer Bolles, previously a Senior Social Media Manager at Later, will report to Head of Brand & Content Strategy Michelle Denhart. Her remit covers the platform’s visual and editorial presence across social channels. Given her history directing social content for brands like POPSUGAR and Peacock, the appointment signals an effort to refine how 1440’s bias-free news reaches broader audiences. Both hires reflect a strategic pivot as the company moves to convert its 4.6 million current readers into a more expansive digital footprint.