Daily Herald Media Group names new president
Scott T. Stone has been named president and chief operating officer of Paddock Publications, which owns the Daily Herald Media Group that includes the suburban Daily Herald, Business Ledger, Reflejos and other publications.
Stone, an 18-year employee and chief operating officer since 2014, was promoted as part of the company's corporate transition strategy, said Douglas K. Ray, Paddock's chairman, chief executive officer and publisher.
Stone's appointment by Paddock's board of directors was one of several executive promotions announced Wednesday.
“Scott not only has done an excellent job in high-level general management with the newspaper but also brings a strong journalistic background — especially important at this time of dynamic change in our businesses model,” Ray said.
“In the end, it will always be about the journalism and its value regardless of the presentation — digitally or in print. This focus on editorial excellence has been a hallmark of Paddock Publications, and Scott's promotion reflects our commitment to that core discipline,” Ray said.
Stone joined Paddock Publications in 1997 as an editor in the Daily Herald's Elgin office. He went on to work in many different departments of the company, including advertising, niche publications and circulation, before being named general manager in 2012.
“It's a great honor,” Stone said. “For Doug Ray, (Chairman Emeritus) Dan Baumann and the board to put their trust in me, it means a lot.”
He said he's committed to the company's tradition of serving readers, advertising and marketing partners.
“This business is changing rapidly as the world is changing,” Stone said. “We have to change and evolve with it. We're pretty well positioned to do that. I feel like the whole team is dedicated to our growth and success in the suburbs.”
The board announced several other executive appointments.
Kent Johnson, longtime senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer, also assumes the role of corporate secretary.
Human Resources Director Heather Ritter was named an assistant vice president.
Pete Rosengren was named assistant vice president of advertising.
Johnson has been with the company for nearly 21 years, starting as the manager of accounting.
“Kent's financial acumen has been obvious since he joined the company in 1994, as he advanced from accounting manager to chief financial officer and treasurer,” Ray said. “He is a highly respected finance executive.”
Ritter joined the Daily Herald in 1994 as an assistant in the human resources department and was appointed to head the department last June following the retirement of former Human Resources Director Betsy Kmiecik.
Rosengren joined the Daily Herald as an intern in 1999. He has served in various jobs in the advertising department since then, including director of Daily Herald digital sales. He has been acting advertising director for the past four months.
The board also appointed Kristine Wilson as assistant corporate secretary. Winner of Paddock Publications' 2012 Administrative Award of Excellence, Kristine joined the company in 2010.