-------------------------------------------------------
From: Franklin, Doug (CNI-Palm Beach)
Sent: Thursday, August 14, 2008 11:22 AM
To: All PBNI Employees
Subject: Executives Retire
Folks,
Four of our finest senior executives have announced their plans to retire this fall from Palm Beach Newspapers - Larry Siedlik, VP and Treasurer, Gale Howden, VP Marketing and Community Relations, Bob Balfe, VP of Operations and Joyce Sullivan, General Manager of the Pennysaver and La Palma. Each has contributed immensely to the growth and success of our company over the past several decades. All four have been considering retirement and I thought it was best to announce them simultaneously. Their official retirement will be October 1st but each will consult with us into next year as we continue our transition to a multi-media company.
While we will not replace these positions, I am pleased to announce the following moves to help lead our company:
Carol Barrett, Controller, will assume the role of Director of Finance and have an expanded role helping us improve our financial performance and sharing of information. Carol will report directly to me.
Laura Cunningham, Marketing Services Director will assume an expanded role as Marketing Director responsible for marketing, community relations, research and NIE. Laura will be reporting to Chuck Gerardi, our Exec. VP and General Manager.
Janice Griggs-Bates, Production Director, will expand her responsibilities to include all our production and building services operations. Production will continue to report to Chuck Gerardi.
I am thrilled these three leaders will have the opportunity to help drive our company to a new future. Congratulations to Carol, Laura and Janice.
La Palma and Pennysaver advertising and operations will be absorbed in to the advertising department.
Chuck Gerardi's role expands to include oversight of John Occhipinti, DP Manager and Laura Cunningham from Marketing. Chuck also oversees advertising, circulation and production.
We will have a reception for Larry, Gale, Bob and Joyce in late September to wish them well on their retirement and future endeavors. Please join me thanking them for their outstanding work over the years at PBNI.
Doug Franklin Publisher
The Palm Beach Post
Palm Beach Daily News
Florida Pennysaver
La Palma