Having joined the staff of the Times in late August and moved with my family to Fort Frances at the end of October, it’s high time I introduced myself to you, our readers, as the paper’s new general manager.
Stepping into the role of GM and editor-in-chief has been both an honour and a homecoming of sorts. Although my career has taken me across newsrooms, studios, and boardrooms throughout Canada and beyond, the heart of journalism – telling meaningful stories that matter to real people – has always been my compass.
And while most of my career has taken place under big city lights, I’m still very much a product of my upbringing in the 1970s and ’80s on the outskirts of Kingston, Ont., where the city met the country and the fields and forests rolled up to our back door.
When I was first approached to consider the role, the first thing I was asked was, “So, do you know where Fort Frances is?” The second was, “Are you sure you’re OK with living in a small, relatively remote town?”
Yes, and yes.
My family and I are thoroughly enjoying the small-town life. It’s something I’ve really missed. There is a certain kind of magic to the slower pace and the incredible sense of caring and community here in the Fort. Just on our doorstep is a wilderness that is a living Group of Seven painting, a gleaming lake shrouded by jack pines around every corner. It’s a beautiful place to build a life and a meaningful place to bring the experience I’ve gathered over more than 30 years in the news and communications world.
I’ve spent my career immersed in almost every corner of the news business: from covering world events, politics and the economy to reporting on culture, entertainment and technology. I’ve worked as a writer, editor, manager and mentor. I’ve led teams of reporters, overseen national and international coverage, and helped shape digital strategies for major publications.
I’ve also had the privilege of teaching the next generation of media professionals at Humber College, and I’ve worked in communications, helping organizations find their voice and connect with the public. Through all of it, one thing has remained constant: my belief in the power of clear, honest, community‑focused journalism.
That belief is what brought me here.
Local journalism is the backbone of informed communities. It’s where stories aren’t just reported, they’re lived. The Times has been a trusted voice in this region for generations, and I am keenly aware of its legacy. I’ve been fortunate to join a dedicated team here – people who care deeply about this community and work hard every day to tell its stories. My goal is to honour that history while helping the paper evolve for the future.
You can expect us to continue delivering the reliable, thoughtful reporting you count on, while also exploring new ways to connect with readers, expand our digital presence and reflect the full diversity of life in Fort Frances and the Rainy River District.
I’m committed to ensuring that our coverage remains fair, accurate and rooted in the values that matter to this community. I also want the Times to be a place where local businesses, organizations and residents feel seen and supported. Strong journalism and strong communities go hand in hand, and we’re here to help both thrive.
Most importantly, I want this paper to feel like a shared space. Your stories, your ideas, your concerns – they’re at the heart of what we do. I invite you to reach out, write to us, stop by, or simply let us know what matters to you. This is your newspaper, and I’m here to listen.
As I begin this new chapter, I’m excited for what lies ahead. Fort Frances is a community with deep roots, resilience and heart. Thank you for welcoming my family and me so warmly – we’re grateful to be here. I look forward to working alongside you to tell the stories that define who we are and who we’re becoming.
