David May named Index general manager, editor

David May

David May, a veteran newspaper executive who served over 10 years as editor of the Mineral Wells (Texas) Index, has been appointed general manager and editor of the newspaper, effective immediately.

May served as editor of the Weatherford (Texas) Democrat for the last 16 months. In his new role at the Index, he replaces publisher Mel Rhodes, who retired last week.

"I am excited about my return and my new, expanded role," said May.  "There are new challenges ahead of me but I am confident we can move the Index forward."

Jeff Smith, publisher of the Lone Star News Group that includes the Index and the Democrat, said he was pleased to see May return to the community and the paper he served at for more than a decade. He cited May's 25 years in the newspaper business as evidence of his knowledge of the industry.

"We believe David May will have a very positive impact on the Index and Mineral Wells," said Smith. "He knows the community and the people and where we need to go."

May spent his early journalism career as a reporter for the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung, The Paris (Texas) News and The Gaston Gazette (Gastonia, N.C.). He later worked as an editorial executive at the Plano Star-Courier and The Marshall News Messenger, as well as the Index and Democrat.