SBJ Publishing names editor for Joplin Tri-State Business Journal

SBJ Publishing Inc. has named longtime Joplin-area public relations representative, business owner and freelance writer Carole Liston as editor of Joplin Tri-State Business Journal, Springfield Business Journal's sister publication.

Liston, who has completed freelance writing for JTBJ and the Joplin Globe, owns Joplin-based Write Solutions and works in media communications for Sunrise Media. She starts her position with the business journal May 7.

In the move, SBJ Publishing owners Dianne Elizabeth Osis and Jennifer Jackson named SBJ Editor Eric Olson as editorial director over both publications.

"Carole brings a depth of knowledge in Joplin business, which is critical to the role as editor," Olson said. "In the interviewing process, I learned that she has intangible tools of professionalism, connections in the community and a great ability to communicate."

Liston succeeds Chris Roberts, who resigned after six years to take a communications administrator position with Joplin-based Christ In Youth. Roberts started as a reporter for JTBJ in February 2007 and was named editor in August 2009. Roberts is staying on as a part-time employee through the transition.

Liston, who received her bachelor's in communications from Oral Roberts University and is working toward a master's in writing at Spalding University, also serves as an adjunct instructor of writing at Labette Community College.

"I look forward to working with her to further develop her nose for news and watching her work together with reporter David Mink," Olson added, noting Liston was recommended by Joplin City Manager Mark Rohr and Daniel Chiodo, former publisher of the Joplin Globe.

Olson said Liston is starting at a critical juncture for Joplin, which is coming up on the first anniversary of the EF-5 tornado that tore through the city May 22, 2011.

"Carole understands the significance of the publication in that role and is determined to use her position to provide the necessary business information for leaders to make proper decisions going forward," Olson said.

Liston also has written for Architech Magazine, an American Institute of Architects publication, and was communications coordinator for Joplin-based R.E. Smith Construction Co.