Goldberg to Replace Clifton as 'Plain Dealer' Editor, Hutton to Take Over at 'Merc News'

By: E&P Staff The Plain Dealer in Cleveland has found a new editor. Susan Goldberg will take the helm effective May 29. She replaces Doug Clifton who is retiring from the paper on May 15. Goldberg is currently the executive editor of the San Jose Mercury News.

Carole Leigh Hutton, 50, currently the vice president of community newspapers for the California Newspaper Partnership, has been appointed vice prresident and executive editor of the Mercury News. Hutton was the former editor and publisher of the Detroit Free Press. This move was announced today at the same time as the Cleveland change.

Terry Egger, publisher of the Plain Dealer, said in his paper today, "Susan is one of the great leaders and journalistic talents in our industry and we are thrilled she will be joining us. She is smart, full of energy, realistic and very excited about the rapidly changing world of journalism we live in today. The Plain Dealer and the people in the community we serve deserve the very best. Doug Clifton and our newsroom team set a high standard here and our goal in the search process was to be sure that, in the end, we appointed one of the top editors in America ... and we have done just that."

Goldberg joined the Mercury News in 1999 as managing editor and in 2003 was appointed executive editor replacing David Yarnold. She is known for favoring bold graphics and photography. She also has worked at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the Detroit Free Press and USA Today. Goldberg becomes the Plain Dealer's first female editor.

The appointment in San Jose was announced by George Riggs, President and CEO of CNP and Publisher of the San Jose Mercury News.

Hutton, 50, came to CNP after a long career at Knight Ridder, where she most recently served as vice president of news for the newspaper chain.

"I am delighted to have Carole Leigh take on this new role," said Riggs in a statement. "She is a seasoned newspaper executive with extensive background in the highest ranks of the newspaper business. At the same time, she has a strong track record in good journalism and commitment to the local community."