Our Team - The Jewish World

James R. Clevenson

Owner & Publisher, The Jewish World

James Clevenson, born to Sam S. and Pearl Clevenson, grew up in Schenectady, New York, after his family relocated from New Hampshire in 1963 to join a larger Jewish community. From childhood through young adulthood, James apprenticed with his father at The Jewish World , learning the intricacies of writing, editing, graphics, newspaper production, and management. He worked in sales and served as general manager of the family’s printing business, World Printing, from 1980 to 1994. Later, he founded and ran World Media, a printing brokerage specializing in academic newspapers and retail marketing projects. Since his father’s passing in 2008, James, alongside his sister Laurie, has continued the legacy of The Jewish World. He has focused on redefining the newspaper’s community role, enhancing local news coverage, and expanding readership through innovative digital media strategies.

Laurie Clevenson

Editor, The Jewish World

Laurie Clevenson, daughter of Sam S. and Pearl Clevenson, was raised in Schenectady, New York, after the family moved there in 1963. Before joining The Jewish World in 1980, Laurie worked for the State of New York and in the restaurant business in Arizona. She began assisting her father with editing the newspaper, which he founded in 1965 to unify the Jewish communities of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and surrounding areas. Following Sam’s death in 2008, Laurie, together with her brother James, has carried forward their parents’ legacy. She has played a key role in redefining the paper’s community engagement, improving the quality and quantity of local news, and embracing digital media to broaden the publication’s reach.

Victoria Talbot

Founder & Chief Communications Officer, VP Media Agency LLC

Marketing Manager, The Jewish World

Albany, NY | www.vpmediaagency.com | LinkedIn: Victoria Talbot

Victoria Talbot is a dynamic Public Relations and Strategic Communications executive with over 30 years of experience in brand development, media relations, and integrated marketing. As the Founder and Chief Communications Officer of VP Media Agency LLC, she has led award-winning campaigns across beauty, fashion, healthcare, fintech, nonprofits, luxury travel, and entertainment. In 2025, she began a new chapter as Marketing Manager for The Jewish World, a legacy publication where she brings her expertise in digital strategy and community engagement to strengthen one of the oldest Jewish media voices in New York.

Victoria comes from a distinguished lineage—her great-grandfather is the internationally celebrated Jewish artist Arthur Szyk. Best known for his intricate illustrations and bold political art, Szyk used his work as a powerful tool against tyranny, fascism, and anti-Semitism. His illuminated Haggadah, World War II-era caricatures, and depictions of Jewish heroes positioned him as one of the 20th century’s most significant voices for social justice and Jewish identity through art.

At VP Media, Victoria has represented clients ranging from L’Oréal, amfAR, and Warner Bros. Studios to emerging fintechs, restaurateurs, political candidates, and global nonprofits. She is a master of strategic communications, SEO, crisis management, red-carpet events, celebrity wrangling, and digital storytelling.

Victoria began her career in radio and advertising, later co-founding Now Model Management, and has worked with high-profile models, celebrities, and creatives throughout her career. She holds degrees from St. John’s University (B.A. in Communications) and Russell Sage College (A.A. in Liberal Arts), and is proficient in Microsoft Office, Canva, HubSpot, WordPress, and multiple CRM and newswire systems.

A fierce advocate for meaningful storytelling and cultural legacy, Victoria continues to merge innovation with tradition—honoring her family’s artistic heritage while shaping the media landscape of tomorrow.