Begin again.

It's true- you never forget the smell of the ink or the sound of the presses running furiously - it's engrained in my head - maybe even in my blood, as the granddaughter of a former Chicago newspaper editor- and I miss being able to experience it at our offices on South Congress. But times change, things evolve- those are constant- and in the publishing business- rapid.?

I've always been proud of how we have led from the front in terms of meeting our readers and customers where the changing media landscape has taken them, never backing down from the hard work of shifting with the times.

?Another constant has been my love for the product we produce daily, and the customers we serve in our community each and every month. Whether it be in print, online or via our social channels- our stories are an important?part of the Central Texas community- we bring important stories to life each and every day- a critical responsibility, even more so these days. On the other side of the business, the digital marketing solutions we provide to local business owners is my passion. I enjoy understanding the challenges they face and then linking effective marketing plans around them to drive results. There is nothing like partnering in the success of local business- and for the past 20 years I have been lucky enough to make a home here, at The Statesman, doing just that.

It was the week before spring break of 2004 and I was finishing up my junior year at Texas State University-San Marcos. I went to a career fair at the University Center and met Ellen Stephens- the then HR Director for The Statesman.? We chatted about summer internships and in true "impatient VICK" fashion, I didn't want to wait 3 months and asked if I could do a job shadow over my spring break. She visited with some departments once back at the office and called me to let know they could use some help in marketing and community development with CAP10K packet stuffing - and so I spent my spring break of college in a window-less room on South Congress stuffing thousands of race bibs for the upcoming 10K.

I also met some wonderful people who then took me on as a summer intern a few months later- Jeff Simecek and retta van auken gave me my first opportunity to fall in love with the work- and I did. I spent the summer working on our Austin Band Hotline- and this will really age me- a phone number readers could call to hear local bands' music; I recorded horoscopes and movie times on our "Inside Line", and I got the opportunity to help sell advertising into special sections including our "Travel Central Texas" guide. I LOVED IT.

I finished the summer internship and headed back to finish my degree in San Marcos- but I knew I wanted to return to that place once I graduated- so in the winter of 2004, I started calling Jeff weekly to see if he had an open position for me, until, one day- HE DID- I started my first, full -time, adult job as a sales coordinator in April of 2005 and graduated that next month.?

I say it all the time- because it is true- that was my favorite job, until my next opportunity with The Statesman, and so-on and so-on. Every role I have stepped into has been my favorite - they have stretched me, complimented my strengths and given me a chance to step out of my comfort zone and GROW. And today, my next new opportunity is on the horizon - I am grateful?for chance to continue to lead the sales team, and excited to step into the role of GM as well, to work alongside our editor, Manny Garcia, and move The Statesman forward into what's next for our readers and partners. I cannot wait to see what we accomplish together next.?I get the opportunity to begin again.

If you're a reader, THANK YOU. If you're not already, I invite you to check out Statesman.com for local news, including exclusive investigative reporting from Tony Plohetski austin360.com for all things events and entertainment- don't sleep on Matthew Odam 's Dining Guide- and Hookem.com for all things Texas Longhorns sports ( and two of the greatest sports reporters of our time, Cedric Golden and Kirk Bohls ) . Our journalists do wonderful work, and we'd love to become a permanent stop on your "digital commute".?

To our marketing partners -thank you for trusting us with helping you grow your businesses. We are passionate about using our tech, talent and network to drive your success, and appreciate you choosing us to work with.

If you're a business owner or marketing director and have not worked with us before- or used to work with us- let's talk! I'd love to meet you for coffee or come see you at your business.

To our team- THANK YOU for giving me the best people to work along side every day. Truly grateful.

LET'S GO TEAM STATESMAN!

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