Richards named new publisher of The Progress-Index

Craig Richards

Craig Richards has been named as the new publisher of The Progress-Index in Petersburg, Va. His appointment was announced by Josh Trust, regional vice president of Gatehouse Media.

"I am thrilled to have someone of Craig's caliber as the next publisher of The Progress Index," Trust said. "Craig brings a strong passion to drive our operation to tremendous new heights. Craig believes deeply in a newspaper serving its community and I know he will jump quickly immersing himself in Petersburg and surrounding communities we serve."

Prior to joining The Progress-Index team, he served as the publisher of the Hopewell News. Richards' media career has spanned more than 25 years. During that time he has owned and operated a group of West Virginia newspapers and has spent a number of years managing for another mid-size newspaper chain.

"When Tam and I had the opportunity to relocate to this area a couple years ago, we jumped at the opportunity. This is a great place to live and do business," Richards said.

An interview of a local politician while in junior high sparked Richards' interest in newspapers. It took another nine years to officially enter the media industry full time when he accepted a marketing position in Fairmont, W.Va., in 1990. Since that time, he has served in various multi-media roles including publisher, advertising director, director of multi-media sales and owner/operator.

Richards and his wife Tammy have been married for 27 years. The couple have two grown children, Heather and Bruce, and a son-in-law, Andrew. Heather is an educator and Andrew is a mental health professional in West Virginia. Bruce has recently relocated to the area to continue his career in Virginia.

"This area is rich in history and culture. For 150 years, The Progress-Index has had the privilege of serving this great region. I look forward to joining a team focused on enhancing our print products and embracing digital programs that will help us better serve our community, readers and advertisers," Richards said.