Leah Dunaief

As the publisher of the Times Beacon Record Newspapers, Ms. Dunaief has played an essential role in Suffolk County and been instrumental in expanding the dialogue in the local community. Having founded her first paper four decades ago, she has been a trailblazer and a role model for countless young female journalists.

Under her leadership, the Times Beacon Record has flourished and now delivers local news to area residents through seven weekly newspapers. The company also publishes numerous annual special editions that focus on the community. 

Ms. Duniaef is also a writer, and her column, “Between You And Me,” has won numerous state and county awards over the years. 

In recognition of her work, Ms. Duniaef was selected as the President of the New York Press Association (NYPA) in 1984-85 – only the third woman in the NYPA’s 175 year history. 

Her leadership in a field that is often dominated by men has allowed the young female journalists who get their start at her papers to realize that success in the publishing world is available to everyone. 

Ms. Dunaief has also been honored as the Brookhaven Town Woman of the Year and Woman of the Year by the Stony Brook Rotary and was also named one of the 50 Most Influential Women on Long Island by Long Island Business News in 2011. 

For her charitable work, Ms. Dunaief was the recipient of the Community Service Award by St. Charles Hospital in 2011. She is also a member of the board of directors of several local chambers of commerce.

Ms. Dunaief is a graduate of Hunter College High School and holds degrees from Barnard College and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business. She began her career as a science researcher and writer for Time Inc. Life Science Library.

A widow since her husband Ivan passed away in 1987, Ms. Dunaief is the proud mother of three married sons, Josh, Daniel and David. She also has four grandchildren and one Golden Retriever.