Tim Kelly has been named as the
editor of the Kitsap Peninsula Business
Journal. The announcement was made by Publisher and Founder Lary Coppola.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Tim
to our staff,” stated Coppola. “He’s a great fit for not only the Business Journal, but in helping
position our company for its next level of growth.”
Kelly, a 1980 graduate of the
University of Missouri, brings over 18 years of journalistic experience to the
publication, and is a veteran of the Associated Press, as well as writing and
editing for several newspapers in Washington and Oregon. Most recently, he
spent 8 years at the Yakima
Herald-Republic before coming to Port Orchard last summer to become editor
of the Port Orchard Independent. His
even-handed, in-depth reporting — especially on political issues — was
immediately viewed by the South Kitsap business community as a welcome change.
He served there until the editor's position was eliminated by recent extreme
budget cuts and consolidation moves made by Sound Publishing, owners of the Independent.
“I’m really looking forward to
the opportunity to work with Lary and Dee Coppola to help maintain and expand
their success in providing excellent coverage of business and political news in
the Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal,
and on its innovative website,” said Kelly.
Kelly will serve as editor of the
newspaper as well as the website (www.kpbj.com),
and the Business Weekly E-mailer. (On the website, you'll be able to sign up
for a new "Business Daily" E-mailer on the 15th!) The website itself will
also be updated daily. He will also write an editorial column, which will
appear in the Business Journal under Coppola’s “The Last Word” editorial, and
lend a hand with some feature writing for Wet Apple Media’s other publication, WestSound Home & Garden Magazine.
Coppola will remain as
Publisher, overseeing the implementation of a number of technological upgrades
for both publications, including a major website overhaul for WestSound Home & Garden, the
addition of video in both reporting and advertising, as well as continuing to
write the popular “Behind The Wheel” automotive review column.
Kelly is married, and the father
of four. He and his wife Jennifer have a 12-year-old son and 14-year-old
daughter who attend South Kitsap schools. He’s a regular Red Cross blood donor;
a seasonal volunteer Bellringer for the Salvation Army; and a four-time
defending champion in a fantasy baseball league. He enjoys reading, music, good
food, family trips, crossword puzzles and sports — and is still a fan of his
hometown Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. He also enjoys a part-time avocation as
a sports official for youth and high school baseball, softball, basketball and football.
Kelly will come on board on April 1, the 23rd
anniversary of the Business Journal’s
first publication. Beginning in April, Tim Kelly may be reached at 360-876-7900
or editor@kpbj.com.
