Rust Communications names regional vice-presidents

Cape Girardeau, Mo. -- Rust Communications has elevated three of its veteran group publishers to roles as regional vice-presidents, working with Rust newspaper publishers in different regions of the country.

Ron Kemp, based in Arkansas, has added the responsibilities of papers in southwest Missouri, central Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Idaho, Including the Nevada Daily Mail and Fort Scott Tribune -- also known as Rust MO/KS. Rust MO/KS publisher Julie Simpson said, "I'm thrilled to be working with Ron Kemp. I have great respect for him and his experience in the industry."

Bud Hunt, based in southeast Missouri, has added responsibilities there as well as in western Tennessee.

Randy List, based in Indiana, has added responsibilities in eastern Tennessee and Iowa.

The announcement was made Aug. 31 by Rust Communications co-presidents Rex Rust and Jon K. Rust.

"The secret to our company's success has long been excellent publishers who are committed to their communities," said Jon K. Rust. "Maintaining the special culture here -- hardworking, respectful, faithful, fun, innovative, familial and open -- was vital to us in determining our management structure for the future."

"We have great confidence in Ron, Bud and Randy," said Rex Rust. "We look forward to them taking expanded leadership roles throughout Rust. This is a management transition, which we developed over the past year, but sadly implemented earlier than planned."

Rust Communications is a family-owned media company with 19 daily and more than 30 weekly newspapers in eight states. Besides newspapers and related Web sites, the company publishes numerous niche magazines, operates commercial printing operations and is partial owner of 17 radio stations. Former chief operating officer Wally Lage died unexpectedly in August. The new positions of regional vice-president will report directly to the co-presidents. Gary W. Rust is chairman of the board.

"The new management plan is a good structure for our organization, "Simpson said. "I'm not surprised that it was so well planned and prepared in advanced. That's the kind of man Wally Lage was and the kind of organization Rust Communications always has been."