The (Johnstown) Tribune-Democrat, Sept. 27

Tribune-Democrat Publisher Voccio to step down

By RANDY GRIFFITH
The Tribune-Democrat

Chris Voccio is stepping down after more than three years as publisher of The (Johnstown) Tribune-Democrat to form his own company.

“I am going to embark on a new career,” Voccio said in his memo to employees.

His resignation is effective Oct. 17.

Voccio, 40, came to Johnstown in February 2004 as general manager of The Tribune-Democrat. He was named publisher July 1, 2004, following the resignation of Pamela J. Mayer.

He directed development of Johnstown Magazine in January 2005 and launched Johnstown Business Weekly on Aug. 17.

“We appreciate Chris and his accomplishments for CNHI, and specifically in Johnstown, over the past few years, and we wish him well in his new venture,” said Linnie Pride, vice president of newspaper operations for Community First Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of Community Newspapers Holdings Inc. (CNHI), the parent company of The Tribune-Democrat.

“We will immediately begin a search for a new publisher,” Pride said, “someone who has the best interests of the community in mind, as well as someone possessing the appropriate newspaper experience and ability to effectively lead the overall business forward.”

A graduate of Bryant College in Smithfield, R.I., Voccio began working for newspapers while in college. He was publisher of the Greenville (Texas) Herald-Banner before coming to Johnstown.

While Voccio said he is not able to discuss details of his new venture, he said he will remain in Johnstown and the company will not conflict with the newspaper’s mission.

“Let me say that the past few years have been incredibly rewarding,” Voccio said. “I am so proud of the team we have here, but I think now is the time for me to try my own thing.”

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