Patrick Dorsey is named president of SNPA, to succeed Les Simpson

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Patrick Dorsey, regional vice president for the Coastal Group of GateHouse Media, and publisher of the Herald-Tribune Media Group in Sarasota, Fla., has been named president of SNPA, effective immediately.

He was appointed by the SNPA Executive Committee to succeed Les Simpson, who stepped down after leaving the Amarillo (Texas) Globe-News. Simpson plans to stay in Amarillo and work outside the newspaper industry.

Dorsey, who was SNPA's treasurer, will serve as president until the SNPA News Industry Summit, which will be held Oct. 10-12 in Nashville, Tenn.

SNPA President-Elect PJ Browning, president and publisher of The Post and Courier, in Charleston, S.C., will remain president-elect and will be nominated to succeed Dorsey at the 2018 annual meeting in Nashville.

"SNPA has been a valuable resource to me throughout my career and I am extremely proud to be appointed SNPA president and serve with some of the smartest and most respected leaders in the industry," Dorsey said. "While this occurred a little sooner than I expected, I am excited to work with our board and membership to continue the work of the great executives I am following. I wish Les the very best in his next endeavor and look forward to continue the positive momentum he started."

Dorsey said, "Our industry continues to face various headwinds as we transform the local news and advertising business. We all know the critical importance of serving our communities with a strong local newspaper in both digital and print – for both our readers and our advertisers who rely on us to deliver customers to their door, whether in person or online. I am very optimistic and confident in our success because of the ideas and actions of our amazing board and membership."

SNPA Chairman Chris Reen, publisher of The Oklahoman, said: "All of us appreciate Les Simpson's many years of leadership. I've spoken with him at length and he regrets that he cannot complete his term as SNPA president."

"While this is a difficult situation," Reen said, "we are reminded that SNPA is extremely fortunate to have a strong group of leaders who are committed to the seamless continuity of the association's programs and services to its members."

"Please join me in wishing Patrick Dorsey the best in his new position as SNPA president, and thank him for taking on this new responsibility."

SNPA invites members to add their well wishes for both Simpson and Dorsey in the comment section below.

SNPA, Simpson, Dorsey, Reen
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