Appeal-Democrat top leadership to change
Top management of the Appeal-Democrat and appealdemocrat.com will change with the new year, it has been announced.
Paula Patton will take on full publisher responsibilities here as well as maintaining her role of general manager for both the Marysville-Yuba City and Porterville newspapers. Patton will also continue to oversee Tri-County Newspapers, publications serving the communities around Colusa, Willows, Corning and Orland.
The new management structure was designed to introduce synergies and improve economic performance of both newspapers, according to Al Frattura, vice president for the Pacific Region Newspapers for Freedom Communications Inc.
Larry Riley, who is assisting with implementation of the new organization, will wrap up his role as publisher here at the end of the year.
"Larry has done a great job leading the Appeal-Democrat since his arrival last year," Frattura said.
"He helped to position the Appeal-Democrat's continued success well into the future. We want to thank Larry for all that he has done and wish him much success in the future."
Riley said there is still a lot of work to do before the end of the year, but that he is pleased with the direction management has taken the media company, which includes print and digital. He also thanked advertisers and readers for their continued patronage in a still-stubborn economy.
"It's always with mixed emotions that you leave an organization. Associates are commonly referred to as our 'day family,' right? Well, I've got to tell you, that's what it is here. Plus, I couldn't say enough about how the community so warmly embraced the Riley family ever since we arrived."
Patton has become familiar with the Marysville market in her role as general manager over the last few months. She joined Freedom Communications as Porterville publisher in February and was promoted into the general manager role in October, where she assumed complete oversight for both the Marysville-Yuba City and Porterville properties. She has more than 28 years of experience working for media companies across California and in Minnesota, and has served as publisher and editor at various newspapers for the past 14 years.
She and her husband, Rick, will be moving to the area after the first of the year.
"I'm looking forward to getting settled there and getting tuned into the Appeal-Democrat readership and community," she said.
"The Appeal-Democrat is an iconic business for the Yuba and Sutter county region — it's always been there for the community and we intend to continue the tradition while embracing new technologies and avenues for delivering the best news and advertising products possible.
"We plan on being an integral part of the community, a good neighbor, and a responsible business and employer."
Frattura said that corporate management is excited about the new management structure. Mark McEachen, Freedom Communications, Inc. executive with oversight of the Pacific Region group, concurred.
"We are excited about this new role and responsibility for Paula and are confident that she will deliver great results," McEachen said.
Patton's community involvement has included active participation in her local Rotary Club, American Legion Auxiliary, Chamber of Commerce, United Way, and Girl Scout Council.
