Dennis Sodomka, the executive editor who led The Chronicle through two decades of change and innovation, announced Wednesday that he is leaving the newspaper as of July 31.
"It's been a blast," he said, while informing the newsroom staff of the change. "I love this paper and the people who work for it, particularly in the newsroom. It is a great newspaper, I think the best in the Morris group, and I know I leave it in good hands."
W.S. Morris III, chairman and CEO of Morris Communications Co. LLC and publisher of The Augusta Chronicle , said, "Dennis Sodomka has served The Augusta Chronicle and its readers in a most professional way for the past 20 years. He brought a vast amount of experience to the job of executive editor. He provided accurate news and information to the readers of The Augusta Chronicle .
"During his career in Augusta, the newspaper has been recognized with numerous awards. Dennis has improved The Chronicle tremendously. He has brought a great deal to the newspaper and the newspaper industry, and much to the Augusta community.
"We will all miss him. We wish him well."
Don Bailey, The Chronicle's president, said the newspaper will undertake a nationwide search to fill the position.
A veteran newspaperman who worked for The Chicago Daily News, The Chicago Sun Times, The Charlotte News and The Charlotte Observer , Mr. Sodomka came to Augusta in 1988 and began a tenure as editor that is among the longest in the newspaper's 223-year history.
He not only played a vital role in enhancing the paper's internationally recognized coverage of the annual Masters Golf Tournament, but also led Morris newspapers' coverage of the Olympics, including the 1996 Atlanta games.
Mr. Bailey called Mr. Sodomka an innovator in the newspaper industry.
"It has been a pleasure working with Dennis for the past 16 years," he said. "We will miss him."
Mr. Sodomka said he will also miss The Chronicle .
"The newsroom is filled with talented, dedicated journalists who produce a great newspaper every day," he said. "I will greatly miss working with them and talking to the people who read our paper. But this is a good time for me to step aside and allow someone else to take The Chronicle to new heights."
During his tenure at The Chronicle , Mr. Sodomka also has been involved in dozens of professional and community organizations, including the Georgia Press Association board, Georgia Associated Press news council and the Georgia First Amendment Foundation board. He also is a former president of the Augusta Opera board and the Greater Augusta Arts Council and on the advisory board of the Salvation Army.
Reach Sylvia Cooper at (706) 823-3228 or sylvia.cooper@augustachronicle.com.
Comments
Dennis will be missed. I enjoyed working with him. He is a class act. good luck in whatever you decide to do next.
Wonder if the Broun piece Sunday had anything to do with his sudden departure.
Is he retiring or taking another job? I wish him well whatever his plans. Twenty years in one job is becoming a feat nowadays.
Good Luck !!! I only hope your replacment is not a disappointment for the readers.
Best of luck to you and I hope and pray that you and your family stay in this area. I also hope that you will continue to write your wine columns as well, they were always nice to read, and very informative.
Good luck to Mr. Sodomka. Future endeavors are usually mentioned in stories of transition like this. Even though Mr. Sodomka's plans are not mentioned, I do wish him and his family the very best in life.
Dennis Sodomka, thank you for your efforts here in Augusta. Those of us that are fans of the Chronicle appreciate you. I hope your replacement is as talented and dedicated as you and I hope the next phase of your life is a satisfying one.
I have a suggestion for his replacement: Austin Rhodes.
I remember when Dennis come to Augusta Chronicle -- Hats off for a job well done ---- Standing Tall you full of (can''t print it here - it might get deleted)
Mr. Sodmka for your last act in your position give Bizarro a job as an editor. That or write in your vote for Bizarro 08' Strange is Change. hee,hee,ee.
Bizarro -- lol
Maybe I need charts like Ross Perot. hee,hee,hee.
I enjoyed reading his work. Thank you and the best of luck.
kiddspur - whoa . . . get a sense of humor, dude!
Dennis is a class act and will be sorely missed at the Augusta Chronicle. I am one of many former employees who have been unceremoniously dismissed from this newspaper after years of dedicated service. My employment lasted 23 years and I was dismissed for no reason. I know of 8 others with at least 20 + years experience working for the Chronicle that were released as well during the past two years. The Chronicle is actively purging it's long term employees. It's sad to see a company treat the people who have dedicated their professional life to making this paper what it is in such a callous and cold manner. Withdrawal of company participation in profit sharing, freezing raises for 2 years, continued removal of employees with life long service. It's shameful.
Dennis, I wish you and your family the best. I have always admired your professionalism and class. God Bless.
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