11/14/2007

CMN Makes Management Changes
Pike, Lassahn Take on New Responsibilities

CMN Communications Inc., owner of The Courier and Gray Shore magazine restructured its management team last week as part of the company's strategic plan heading into 2008 and beyond.

Owner and publisher Chip Bertino announced that Bob Lassahn has been promoted to Managing Editor of The Courier and Dolores Pike has been named full time editor of Gray Shore.  The changes take effect immediately.

"We're very excited about this," said Mr. Bertino.  "This has been in the works for several months and it was time to put the plan into action.  It plays to our strengths and gives each publication the benefit of strong and concentrated leadership, something that will certainly benefit our growing readership."  These changes are the first of a multi-part corporate strategic plan that will be implemented during the next two years.

Mrs. Pike joined the company in 2003 as a freelance writer, becoming Associate Editor in October 2004 and Managing Editor the following year.  "Dolores has been an asset to our company and me personally from the time her byline first appeared in the paper.  Her contribution to the day-to-day operation of the paper cannot be overstated.  She had a vision for the paper and brought the rest of us along," said Mr. Bertino.  "I'm excited to see what she does with Gray Shore."  Mrs. Pike will from time to time contribute stories to The Courier.

Dolores Pike

"Much as people like the comfort of the status quo, change is inevitable. People tend to fear change rather than see the infinite possibilities it can bring. I look forward to facing only six deadlines a year rather than 56 (The Courier plus Gray Shore).  This will afford me more time to devote to the magazine's content as well to seeking out a variety of writers," said Mrs. Pike.

Mr. Lassahn joined the company in July 2000, before The Courier launched, working closely with the paper's first editor, the late Bob Adair, helping shape the paper's editorial policy from the start.   "Bob is one of the best writers it's been my privilege to work with," said Mr. Bertino.  "He approaches stories, debate and management with a broad, varied and reasoned perspective.  He will no doubt make the position his own, building on the accomplishments of Bob Adair and Dolores Pike."

Bob Lassahn

"I have some very big shoes to fill in my new capacity. I have been deeply influenced in my philosophies regarding responsible journalism and The Courier's duties to its readers by the late Bob Adair. Equally as important, Dolores established a standard of quality for the paper that I believe benefits our readers immensely. I will work to see that the paper continues to serve our readers by offering a combination of timely information and enjoyable articles to the best of our ability."

Mr. Lassahn will be responsible for the day-to-day, week-to week editorial operation of The Courier.

CMN Communications publishes The Courier, Gray Shore magazine and the annual Captain's Cove Directory.  The Courier is published weekly on Wednesdays.  Gray Shore is published six times annually and circulates throughout Worcester and Wicomico counties.