Paddock, Stone named to Herald's board of directors

The board of directors of Paddock Publications, publishers of the Daily Herald, has named Senior Vice President/Information Technologies Stuart R. Paddock III and President/Chief Operating Officer Scott Stone to the board.

"I know ownership has a great deal of confidence in Scott and Stu, knowing that Scott's operational responsibilities and Stu's digital background will add value to the Paddock board," said Douglas K. Ray, chairman, publisher and CEO. "At this time of digital convergence, they will help guide key initiatives and provide direction for senior management in developing others. The board's direction is clear: grow the business in new and different ways."

Paddock, 60, has been involved in every department of the company since he was hired in 1982. He currently is Senior Vice President for Digital Technology and Information Systems.

His great grandfather, Hosea Paddock, bought the Palatine Enterprise in 1898 and started a company that would evolve into the Daily Herald Media Group. The company remains family owned.

"I'm elated to be able to fulfill the family's legacy, helping to steer the company in the direction set forth by my father, Stu Paddock Jr.," Paddock said.

Stone, 57, began his career with Paddock Publications in 1997 after having spent almost 13 years working as a reporter and editor for the Copley Newspaper Group in the Fox Valley.

Once at the Daily Herald, Stone served as the editor and manager of the Fox Valley bureau, led efforts in interactive media and business development and led the sales department as a vice president. He was named president and COO in 2010.

"As I told our board, this is not only an honor for me personally, but also a positive reflection on the great men and women who work with me each day at the Daily Herald Media Group," Stone said. "I look forward to working more closely with our board of directors to carry on the legacy and rich tradition of the Paddock family."