Daily Herald announces executive appointments

Several Daily Herald executives received appointments from the newspaper's board of directors, the company announced Wednesday.

Three veterans in the industry were named assistant vice presidents, and an assistant secretary of the corporation was named.

Kelly Casalino, director of interactive media, Madeleine Doubek, managing editor, and Suzanne Pepper, director of display advertising, were named assistant vice presidents.

Karen Di Giulio was named assistant corporate secretary.

"These individuals are deserving of recognition. All have provided leadership, interdepartmental cooperation and ongoing commitment to their staffs and to the company," President and CEO Douglas K. Ray said.

Casalino joined the company two years ago to head its Internet division. She has brought the best practices and in-depth knowledge and skill to this important part of the business, Ray said.

Casalino came to the Daily Herald from Morris Communications where she handled Internet sales and product development for newspapers across the country. She also is a key member of the Yahoo Newspaper Consortium.

An outstanding editor, Doubek represents the essence of the Herald's business -- quality journalism, Ray said.

A 22-year employee of the company, Doubek started at the Daily Herald after graduating from Eastern Illinois University in 1985 and rose from police reporter to a variety of positions, including political editor, metro editor for projects and deputy managing editor.

Pepper joined Paddock four years ago and brings experience and depth of knowledge to the advertising department, Ray said.

Pepper has been in the industry for 30 years. She started at the Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Miss., where she became the classified manager and then retail manager. After 20 years, she moved to be advertising director at a newspaper in Hattiesburg, Miss. She then went on to a newspaper in Tacoma, Wash., where she worked as the display director and assistant ad director.

Di Giulio, administrative assistant to the CEO and a 14-year employee, supports the corporate officers and directors in areas of strategy and corporate governance.