Publisher Stephen Beasley retiring at the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Stephen Beasley, publisher of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, is retiring after 43 years in the newspaper industry. The announcement was made by Derek May, executive vice-president of Morris Publishing Group.
Beasley began his newspaper career in 1972 in the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal's retail advertising department. He later held advertising leadership roles in Leesburg, Fla.; Amarillo, Texas; and Savannah, Ga. In 2002, Beasley was named general manager of the Savannah (Ga.) Morning News and was promoted to publisher of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal in 2004.
"Steve Beasley has been an exceptional manager and leader," said William S. Morris III, chairman and CEO of Morris Communications Co. "He has made great contributions to the Lubbock community and to our company."
"It has been wonderful to know and work with Steve over these many years. My family and I wish him and his family well in the future."
Throughout his career, Beasley has been active in professional newspaper organizations, having served as president of the Texas Newspaper Advertising Managers Association, president of the Midwest Newspapers Advertising Executives Association and vice president from Texas for the International Advertising Executives Association. He is proud to note that his career history includes service as a newspaper carrier for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
In Lubbock, Beasley has been active in many civic organizations including the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce board and Lubbock Area United Way board. He is a past president of the South Plains Fair board, served on the Hope Lodge Capital Campaign Steering Committee and was chairman of Texas Tech's College of Media Communication Advisory Board and named outstanding alumnus of the College of Media and Communications.
"Steve has had a long and distinguished career in our business, and he has led by example in many ways. We are grateful for his contributions to the Avalanche-Journal and the Lubbock community," said Derek May. "It has been an honor to work with him."
Beasley and his wife plan to stay in the Lubbock area after retirement. "Phyllis and I have spent most of our lives here," said Beasley. "We love the people and values of Lubbock and West Texas."
Keywords
Beasley, Lubbock, May, Morris
