MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) — After nearly 20 years at the helm of the Skagit Valley Herald, Publisher Stedem Wood is stepping down.
Wood informed employees of his decision Thursday. He said that he had always intended to relinquish his position as publisher by his mid-50s. He turns 55 this year.
He said his focus now will be on his role in the Wood family’s Pioneer Newspapers, Inc., which owns several community dailies and weeklies throughout the Northwest. He sits on the board of directors with his parents and three sisters.
With Wood’s announcement, the search for his replacement begins, although he will remain in his post until his successor is chosen. He estimated that the selection process will take about three months.
Stedem Wood succeeded his father as publisher in 1992.
