Goodbye cornfields, hello Sitka spruce. David Rigas has been named publisher of the Juneau Empire.
Rigas, most recently of Illinois, will relocate to Juneau and plans to start on Monday, Oct. 4. Prior to joining the Empire, Rigas served as vice president of sales for the Decatur/Mattoon markets in Illinois, and has served in similar roles for publications and media organizations in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and Atlanta. Rigas holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from West Liberty State University-West Virginia.
“I am excited to be living and working in Juneau and to lead a community newspaper team as our industry continues to identify innovative ways of reaching advertisers and readers,” Rigas said. “It’s an exciting time to make a difference and an impact. We’re here to support, and help the communities of Southeast Alaska thrive in many ways. I’m looking forward to getting involved in the community and putting my talents to work.”
Josh O’Connor, president of Sound Publishing Inc., which owns the Empire, said Rigas’ well-rounded background and variety of skills make him a good fit for the job.
“We were immediately interested in David because he’s uniquely qualified for the position. He has a strong background in advertising, digital, circulation and genuinely enjoys working with people and helping small businesses succeed,” O’Connor said. “We’re excited to see him make an immediate impact in serving the communities of Southeast Alaska.”
The Empire’s current staff are excited about adding a new member to the team and welcome the decades of industry experience Rigas brings to his new post.
“I look forward to working with David,” said Juneau Empire editor Ben Hohenstatt. “I think he’ll be a positive force both in the Empire offices and the community.”
Rigas is eager to arrive in Alaska and help the Empire fill its vital role as a community newspaper.
“We have a valuable and important opportunity here, especially with what’s happening broadly with news organizations,” Rigas said. “Newspapers like the Juneau Empire are an important part of the community. We’re here to help. We’re here to support the community. “
• Contact the Juneau Empire newsroom at (907)308-4895.
