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Newsmakers

New publishers have taken over at four Texas newspapers

Moore returns to East Texas as HDN publisher
HENDERSON – Dan Moore has returned to East Texas to assume the duties of editor and publisher of the Henderson Daily News. 
After serving nearly two years in Alvin as editor and publisher of three newspapers, The Alvin Sun, Alvin Sun-Advertiser and Alvin Advertiser, Moore accepted the offer from Hartman News LLC, owners of the Henderson Daily News and Alvin newspapers, to return home.
“After experiencing the worst hurricane flood in the history of America, I’m thrilled to be back home in East Texas. I had rather deal with the potential threat of tornadoes any day,” said Moore. 
He has more than 19 years of experience in the newspaper industry and has served as a newspaper owner, publisher, editor, general manager and group sales manager. His experience includes working at weeklies, twice a week and daily newspapers. 
“I wish Les Linebarger, former editor and publisher, the best of luck in his new adventure. It is truly an honor to follow an experienced newspaperman such as Les,” Moore said. “My goal is to take the newspaper to the next level and provide our readers and advertisers with the best print and online products available.” 
A native of Columbia, SC Moore has lived most of his adult life in North and East Texas. 
Moore currently serves on the board of directors of the Texas Gulf Coast Press Association. He is also a former board member of the Texas Press Association and the North & East Texas Press Association. He is currently a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary, International and secretary of the Alvin Sunrise Rotary Foundation. He has also served as vice president of an economic development corporation, advisory board member of a city and chairman of a chamber of commerce.
He and his wife, Ann, have been married for 33 years. 

Martinez named publisher for Port Lavaca Wave
PORT LAVACA – Thomas Martinez, 49, took over as publisher of The Port Lavaca Wave Sept. 5.
He succeeds Tania French, who served as publisher since 2010.
Martinez comes from Craig, Colo. where he was with Craig Press. The University of Northern Colorado graduate has been a journalist for about 25 years, working as an editor or a reporter at newspapers in Nebraska, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Wyoming and Texas.
“I’ve worked for big corporations and small, family-owned newspapers, and I’ve gained experience within all facets of a newspaper,” he said. “I look forward to bringing my skill set and experience to Port Lavaca.”
French began her career as an editor with Dun and Bradstreet. She joined the Wave in 2000 as a reporter, later serving as general manager and publisher.
French said she looks forward to a new role.
“I will assist newspapers like the Wave implement strong digital platforms,” she said. “I will also continue and expand the active role I have in the community.”

Walker takes over as publisher for Olney Enterprise
OLNEY – Rhonda Walker is the new publisher of the Olney Enterprise.
Walker comes from Baton Rouge, La., where she earned a bachelor of arts in mass communications at Southern University and a master’s degree in mass communications, public relations and advertising at Louisiana State University.
With more than 20 years of industry experience with Wells Fargo and IBM in Dallas and teaching experience with ITI Technical College and University of Phoenix in Baton Rouge, Walker brings knowledge of mass communication, business startups and branding to the L.F. and Carla Perry Foundation where she serves in dual roles as marketing director for the foundation and publisher for Olney Enterprise.
Walker said she envisions working with newspaper staff and the community to rebuild the Olney Enterprise as the people’s paper.
“I am on board with Ms. Perry’s vision to bring the paper back to Olney and make the people of Olney the main focus,” she said. “The Enterprise is not only a newspaper, it is a social enterprise committed to a renewed Olney.”

Relax Walker interim publisher for Paris News
PARIS – Longtime business manager Relan Walker has been named interim publisher of The Paris News.
J.D. Davidson, publisher of the paper for the past six years, has left the company.
Walker pledged to uphold the newspaper’s standards. “The staff at The Paris News will continue to reflect the vibrant, thriving community we live in and report on the people and events that make up our unique city,” she said. “Our goal always has been and will continue to be the publication of a quality, community-minded newspaper.”
A native Parisian, Walker is a North Lamar High School graduate and has been employed at The Paris News for 31 years.