The new editor of the Wisconsin State Journal has been named, publisher Bill Johnston announced Tuesday.
John Smalley, who has been editor of the La Crosse Tribune since 2002, will fill the editor position at the State Journal in early January.
The search process for a new editor began after former editor Ellen Foley announced her decision to step down Oct. 7.
I had a lot of calls [from] interested people,"" Johnston said of filing the position. ""We put a release out for the opening and ended up selecting [Smalley] from a group of about six people.""
Johnston said he is optimistic about Smalley's induction and called him a ""great communicator.""
""He is a solid leader and has great experience in this business,"" he said. ""I think he will do a terrific job.""
Smalley told the La Crosse Tribune the new job has presented him with a ""sense of mixed emotions.""
""I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to go to Madison. But at the same time it'll be difficult to leave La Crosse,"" he said.
