Tompkins Weekly managing editor passes baton

My how the time has flown. Avid Tompkins Weekly readers have now seen my name in the paper as managing editor for well over three years, and it’s an understatement to say we’ve all come a long way since then.

I announced my start as managing editor back in the summer of 2019 (tinyurl.com/2pmvpyht), at the time fresh out of college and not sure what this job, not to mention this community, had in store for me. Oh, how little I knew then just what awaited me.

While the first few months were filled with plenty of challenges coming from adjusting to a new role, it took less than a year for me to face the biggest challenge the paper — and everyone else in the community, for that matter — had faced: the pandemic. Within less than a month’s time, practically everything about how Tompkins Weekly was run had to change, and fast.

Though 2020 was filled with lightning-fast adjustments and difficulties, it was also the year where I made so many more community connections than I had in my first six months, including dozens of community leaders working to support themselves and others through what was (and for many, still is) a very tough time in the county’s history.

As safety concerns lessened and more of the community started to open up and find some degree of normalcy, Tompkins Weekly’s cover stories had undergone a significant shift in their focus, from smaller, lighter stories to continuous weeks diving into various industries and issues that mattered to the community, including the progress of small businesses, development and COVID-19 efforts. I’m proud to say we’ve maintained that focus, with in-depth stories that keep our readers informed about the successes and hurdles facing their communities throughout the year.

The past three and a half years have been filled with numerous challenges, but through it all, the compassion, dedication and resilience of this community and its residents shown through, and I couldn’t be happier to have gotten the chance to meet so many wonderful, hard-working and caring individuals across all the county’s municipalities. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years, especially during my tenure — you’ve truly been my favorite part of my job.

All this history is precisely what I’ll carry with me as I venture into the next leg of my journey. While you’ll see my name in today’s paper, my last day as Tompkins Weekly’s managing editor was last Friday, Dec. 16. Some readers may already be aware of my departure, but I wanted to still put something small together to express my immense appreciation to everyone who has helped to make Tompkins Weekly the well-loved and respected local news source it is today.

Even though I’m moving on, there’s still plenty to look forward to on my and Tompkins Weekly’s end. In my stead, Geoff Preston, one of our dedicated local reporters, will be stepping up to take on my role temporarily until a full-time replacement is chosen. To reach him and whoever fills the managing editor seat next, please email editorial@VizellaMedia.com.

As for me, I’ll still be staying local. While I got a taste of Tompkins County when I was growing up, getting to really immerse myself these past three-plus years has made me truly fall in love with this community, and I finally understand why so many sources have said this community is beautifully unique and one of the best places to be. So, if you see me around town, don’t be afraid to say “hi.”

Thanks again, everyone, for three and a half wild, but heartwarming, years as your local reporter and editor. I hope you’ll continue supporting Tompkins Weekly and all that we do in my absence, as it is your support that makes our work possible. Take care.