By: Joe Strupp Skippy Haik, publisher of the Hattiesburg (Miss.) American -- who garnered praise for living in her office for 12 straight days following Hurricane Katrina in an effort to keep the paper going -- is leaving the Gannett Co. daily, the paper announced Thursday.
The announcement stated that Haik's departure was part of a reorganization that will mean the loss of 38 jobs as the American's printing is relocated to the Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, also owned by Gannett.
"Haik, 57, president and publisher of the Hattiesburg American, will be stepping down on Jan. 31," a story in today's paper said. "Tracie Fowler, 47, advertising director of the newspaper, has been promoted to the new position of general manager of the newspaper beginning Feb. 1. She will be responsible for operations at the newspaper as well as community outreach."
Haik will stay on as a consultant through April 30.
"Our industry, like so many others, is facing some unique challenges and we must position ourselves to serve our readers and customers," Haik said in the story. "With this change, I am confident that the staff will continue to serve the community's needs both through news content and advertising."
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