Like a lame duck president, The Union’s editor/publisher could not “get out of Dodge” without a “last act.”
In this case, he named city editor Brian Hamilton as the managing editor, according to my sources.
So I guess, the new publisher – who no doubt would like to make his own imprint on the newspaper he is supposed to be held accountable for – already inherits his predecessor’s appointee as his No. 1 in the newsroom.
For the record, Brian (a former high-school sports editor) is a nice guy but the consummate “yes man.” Most of all, he was a good soldier to Jeff A.
In addition, I learned, Jeff’s loyal chief “bean counter” has resigned. Under Jeff and his “bean counter,” I was asked whether it was worthwhile to keep R.L. Crabb’s cartoon, as well as the AP.
Since it was my job, I met with both to discuss these missives. The poor AP guy had to drive up from S.F. to see what was going on. I met with R.L. for lunch.
Good luck to the “new and improved” Union newspaper – with an editor that was named by its outgoing publisher and some staff resignations.
Though I figured it would all die down, I’m confident there are more shoes to drop in this ongoing saga. Stay tuned.
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I wish Brian well; I think he does a pretty good job with the articles he writes. As far as being a “yes man”, in some business climates it seems that you have to be to some extent to move up the ladder. My last job, I refused to be a “yes man” and was passed over time again for promotions although I always received high evaluations from my supervisors. I am pretty sure with the chilly climate at the Union offices this may have been the case with Jeff “my way or the highway” Ackerman. So let’s just hope now that Brian has more power to be true to himself and report the news in an unbiased way. I hope you consider sending him a note of congratulations Jeff, I think he would appreciate it.
Pete,
To be sure, Brian knows where he stands with me, as well as some of his other former colleagues! All the best to Brian and the new publisher.
When I worked in an institutional venue (University) I always found it interesting that when someone in the hierarchy leaves with less then favorable feelings about their previous experiences they will frequently “place” someone who’s new position serves as a final “sc**w you” to everyone else that’s left, and a payoff to the people who loyally served as their flying monkeys.
Finance Director – The successful candidate will have demonstrable and proven strengths in a variety of essential areas specifically including: Business partner for Directors from other functional areas including advertising, circulation, editorial and production; accurate budgeting, planning and forecasting and related financial analyses; proven leadership and ability to oversee local accounting and finance functions; passionate about providing accurate and timely financial results and analysis for all departments; accountable for collections and cash flow of the enterprise; oversee coordination between local business office and corporate office and centralized finance shared services; breadth of experience in oversight of the month end close process; knowledgeable in designing, implementing and maintaining sound business practices including internal controls; works smart through creative and effective problem solving solutions; personifies integrity and also enjoys having fun at work; good written and verbal communication skills. Required technical skills include: degree in accounting or finance strongly preferred; intermediate user of MS Office tools; experience with enterprise-grade financial systems; strong analysis and communication skills, both written and verbal. Contact Sharla Cartzdafner, HR Director: hr@theunion.com.
Who dares not speak his free thoughts is a slave.
Euripides, The Phoenician Women