Reedy named publisher

Jeff Reedy

Newspaper veteran Jeffrey T. Reedy has been named publisher of The Jasper Newsboy.

Reedy, previously director of operations of The Beaumont Enterprise, which also owns The Jasper Newsboy, will assume his new post Jan. 2 upon the retirement of The Newsboy’s longtime publisher, Willis Webb.

The announcement was made jointly by Beaumont Enterprise Publisher Aubrey Webb and David Pero, Enterprise assistant to the publisher.

“Jeff Reedy has experience in all facets of newspapering and is a natural for the position,” said Pero, who directly oversees The Newsboy’s operations. “Jeff is very familiar with The Newsboy and the Jasper community, and I’m sure he will do an outstanding job. Jeff will also serve as publisher of the Lakecaster magazine, which covers fishing and hunting in the lakes area.”

Reedy, 51, said he is excited about the new position.

“Jasper is a growing community, and I’m excited about the challenge of being The Newsboy’s publisher,” Reedy said. “The Newsboy has a long history of outstanding community journalism and community service, and we will continue to build on that strong foundation. Willis Webb has done an outstanding job becoming part of this community and I will work diligently to ensure that we continue that tradition,” Reedy said. “I have spent 35 years in the newspaper industry and have had a wide variety of experience, and this is truly a unique opportunity to become closely involved in a great community and an outstanding publication.”

In making the appointment, Aubrey Webb also lauded Willis Webb’ tenure at The Newsboy.

“I’ve often been asked if I’m related to Willis Webb,” said Aubrey Webb. “I’m not, but would be proud to

be related to him. Hiring Willis Webb to be publisher of The Jasper Newsboy is among the best business decisions I have ever made. He has done a superb job. Willis and his wife, Julie, have been perfect for The Newsboy and the Jasper community, and they will be missed.”

Reedy has been director of operations of The Beaumont Enterprise since 1997. In that position, he managed the circulation and production departments. Reedy was hired by The Enterprise as circulation director in 1989. His prior experience includes circulation director of the News-Star-World in Monroe, La., from 1984- 89; circulation director of the Hattiesburg American in Hattiesburg, Miss., from 1982-84; and circulation sales manager and city circulation manager in charge of single copy and home delivery for the Shreveport Times & Journal, Shreveport, La., from 1980- 82. Before his move to Louisiana, he was circulation manager for the Columbia Missourian, Columbia, Mo., from 1979- 80, and supervisor of circulation promotions for the Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, from 1977-79.

Although born in Pennsylvania, he began his newspaper career in Chicago, where he was raised. Reedy spent two years as a city district supervisor and five years in various other circulation positions at the Chicago Tribune from 1970 to 1977.

Reedy and his wife, Billie, have two grown children and plan to move to Jasper in the near future.

“I can’t wait to get involved in the community and to help to continue to make The Newsboy an integral part of our readers’ lives,” he said.