Ill. press group names executive director

SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Press Association has named a new executive director, ending a six-month search.

Southern Illinoisan publisher Dennis DeRossett will succeed David L. Bennett, who retired last summer after 24 years with the organization.

Effingham Daily News publisher Steve Raymond, who is 2010 IPA president, says DeRossett is the kind of person members want leading the press association. He says DeRossett's knowledge and experience made him a successful journalist and publisher, and his integrity is above reproach.

DeRossett joined the IPA board of directors in 2006. He has been publisher of the Southern Illinoisan, owned by Lee Enterprises, since July 2002. He is a native of nearby Murphysboro.

The IPA is the largest state newspaper association in the U.S., with more than 500 daily and weekly newspaper members.