By Daniel Greenstadt, CNA Board of Directors
As you may have read in past CNEWS issues, in order to help ensure a bright future for our community newspaper, in May the CNA board voted to fund four paid, part-time contract positions. Three of the positions were filled as of the CNA June 14 board meeting, effective with production of the August issue of Concordia News.
The advertising sales representative position remains unfilled, so please spread the word to your marketing-savvy friends.
It’s the pleasure of the CNA board of directors – and hopefully CNEWS readers as well – to welcome the following individuals to the CNEWS family as we embark on a new era of ever-improving service to our community.
Susan Trabucco was named to the Managing Editor position. A Beaumont-Wilshire resident, Susan has been volunteering as team leader, editor, layout/graphic design and advertising sales for CNEWS since early this year. Susan brings to CNEWS a background that includes 10 years in sales and sales management, 15 years as a freelance public relations and communications professional, and five years as an entrepreneur publisher; in 2006 she launched a monthly regional business and real estate journal established in Astoria, Ore. As the sole owner of the newspaper, she served as editor and publisher to a staff of five. She sold the newspaper in 2011. Susan is currently self-employed as a business communications consultant, providing P.R. and marketing services. She is a graduate of Lewis & Clark College.
Nancy Varekamp, who is new to Concordia News, was named to the Editor position. Nancy brings 43 years of communications experience to CNEWS, all of them editing and writing newspapers and newsletters, and 35 of them additionally advising clients on the strategies and mechanics of communicating with their stakeholders. She spent seven years as a reporter and editor in Tigard, 20 years in public relations and employee communications with Pacific Power, and has served a variety of clients for 16 years as an independent communications consultant. Nancy has lived in nearby Rose City Park for 22 years. She is a Lewis & Clark College graduate with a bachelor’s degree in communications.
Gordon Riggs was named to the Layout/Graphic Design position. A Concordia resident, Gordon stepped up to volunteer for the recently revitalized CNA media team in January this year, initially assisting with the CNA website; he then volunteered to undertake CNEWS layout for the June issue. He has a long career history as a project manager, engineer and software developer. Gordon transitioned to the field of graphic design around eight years ago, studying at the Pacific NW College of Art. He is a graduate of the University of Oregon, awarded the honor of Phi Beta Kappa. Gordon is currently self-employed as a graphic and website designer and consultant.