Spotlight Newspapers has promoted two of its employees to key management positions.
Kristen Roberts has been appointed managing editor of the award-winning Capital District newspaper chain, and Charles Wiff has been named assistant managing editor/interactive editor.
Publisher of The Spotlight John McIntyre said he expects the move to only strengthen the newspaper’s goal of providing community news to its readers, both in print and online.
“Kristen and Charles have already distinguished themselves within the newsroom as professionals who strive to put out the best product possible,” McIntyre said. “We have come a long way in the past couple of years under William DeVoe’s leadership, and I’m looking forward to seeing how far we can take this newspaper with this team in place.”
Roberts has been with The Spotlight for five years as a copy editor. In March 2009 she became editor of Capital District Parent Pages, a monthly publication that is a division of Spotlight Newspapers. She will continue to head the popular parenting magazine.
“Kristen has redeveloped Parent Pages in her time as editor, creating a vibrant product that has real relevance to the community,” said McIntyre. “I know she will bring that same eye for detail to her job as managing editor of The Spotlight.”
Roberts has previously worked as a copy editor at the Fresno Bee in California and night editor at The Daily Inter Lake in Kalispell, Mont. She graduated from the Journalism School at the University of Montana.
“I am thrilled to take this next step in my career at The Spotlight,” Roberts said. “I believe in the vital role that community journalism plays in informing readers of the things that matter to them most, and I have seen first-hand how successful The Spotlight has been at fulfilling that role.”
Wiff has reported for Spotlight Newspapers for more than three years, covering parts of Saratoga County and most recently the Town of Bethlehem and nearby areas. His work was recognized in the New York State Press Association 2009 Better Newspaper Contest with a first-place award for best news or features series.
“Charles’ thorough and accurate reporting has always shown an intimate knowledge of our readership,” said McIntyre, “and his ability to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to technology will make him a key player in advancing our online community.”
A graduate of the University at Buffalo, Wiff wrote for the student-run Generation Magazine, and he later served as associate editor of the weekly publication.
“I’m deeply honored to be given the opportunity to help The Spotlight continue to grow to new heights,” Wiff said. “We have a stellar staff of writers here doing great, meaningful work, a new website and strong connections to the communities we serve. I know Kristen and I will strive to continue that record of excellence.”
