SBJ names new editor

Eric Olson was promoted to editor following the March 30 resignation of Clarissa French, an SBJ employee for 12 years and editor for five years.

Olson, an editor and reporter with SBJ since 2000, seamlessly moved into to the editorial department’s top spot, drawing upon his experience as news editor during the last 18 months.

Olson has developed deep roots in Springfield’s business community through years of covering the area’s professionals and companies. Olson earned national recognition in 2005, when he won an Alliance of Area Business Publications award for his investigative look at Bass Pro Shops’ expansion.

“I’m energized,” Olson said about his promotion. “I feel like I’m ready for that next step and to take on more of a managerial role.”

Publisher Dianne Elizabeth Osis said Olson is a leader, communicator and worthy successor to French. Under his direction, she said, SBJ is well equipped to thrive in the years to come.

“Eric has tremendous talent as a journalist,” she said. “And his commitment is total.”

SBJ also promoted Maria Hoover to features editor, where she is taking control of the publication’s special products – 40 Under 40, Dynamic Dozen, Economic Impact Awards and Most Influential Women.

“She is taking on a big responsibility as special products editor, in addition to the regular weekly In Focus sections,” Olson said. “Maria is an integral part of this editorial team.”

Hoover is a Missouri State University journalism graduate and six-year SBJ veteran.

“It’s something that I’ve wanted to do for a while,” she said of the new job. “(The change) will add to the overall quality of our special products.”

Olson said he’s not planning sweeping changes for SBJ. Instead, he wants to continually improve SBJ’s quality of coverage and presentation to make the newspaper the high-caliber publication Springfield-area readers deserve.

To do that, in part, Olson plans to establish a focus group of readers from a variety of professional fields.

“With 26 successful years under its belt, SBJ has a proven format, a sophisticated following and a professional design,” he said. “Now, we are continually tweaking such things.”

Meanwhile, French is exploring her options, which may include starting her own free-lance writing and editing business.

While she said she’d miss working at SBJ, she expressed confidence in a young, talented staff that she helped assemble and develop.

“I wish nothing but the best for the Journal,” French said.

Olson is a Chicago native. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and broadcasting from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill.[[In-content Ad]]