Thomason named publisher of LaGrange Daily News

Thomason named publisher of LaGrange Daily News

Thomason named publisher of LaGrange Daily News

Rick Thomason, a veteran newspaperman with 35 years’ experience as a reporter, editor, publisher and consultant, has been named publisher of the LaGrange Daily News and the Thomaston Times.

 

The announcement Monday was made by Kent Kilpatrick, Carolinas’ regional director for Civitas Media, the newspaper’s parent company.

 

“We are pleased to have Rick lead our team in Georgia,” Kilpatrick said. “His depth and breadth of experience will serve the community well as we align our resources for continued success in these markets.”

 

Thomason, 57, began his career as a reporter with the Dothan (Ala.) Progress, and has served as editor of the Free Press in Kinston, N.C., editor of The Walton Sun in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., publisher of The Delta Democrat-Times in Greenville, Miss., publisher of The Destin (Fla.) Log and The Walton Sun, editor of The Register-Citizen in Torrington, Conn., and as a newspaper industry speaker and consultant. Each newspaper received multiple journalism awards and was recognized for its community involvement and leadership under Thomason’s direction.

 

“I couldn’t be more excited and enthused about this opportunity,” Thomason said. “Both the LaGrange Daily News and the Thomaston Times have long histories of serving their communities and I am very much looking forward to leading their talented staffs into and through the next phase of service.

 

“Just as importantly, I look forward to quickly becoming part of these wonderful communities,” he added. “In my view, there’s no better way to run any business – especially a media business – than to get involved in the communities you serve. That service is both a way to give back to the community and a way to engage and connect so we produce the best possible product for our advertisers and readers.”

 

Thomason is a past member of both Rotary and Exchange clubs, has served on Chamber of Commerce boards of directors in Greenville (two years) and Destin (eight years), served on the Friends of the Coastal Branch Library board in Santa Rosa Beach, and has volunteered with the hospital guild at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast in Santa Rosa Beach.

 

He attended Auburn University where he majored in Mass Communications, and Northwestern University where he was a member of the Advanced Executive Program, Class Five, at the Media Management Center. He has relocated to LaGrange and begins work May 4. In his spare time, he is an avid photographer, reader, blogger and college football and basketball fan.