Tom Donovan named News Journal publisher

Lewes native Tom Donovan was named interim publisher of The News Journal July 20.

“Thirty years ago, I started working for this newspaper, and now it’s come full circle,” Donovan said. “It’s great to be back in Delaware. I look forward to jumping right back in and reconnecting.”

The announcement comes after the resignation of Susan Leath, who had served as regional president and publisher of The News Journal, The Daily Times in Salisbury and 10 weeklies along the Delaware coast and the Eastern shore of Maryland and Virginia since 2014.

Donovan is about as Lewes as Lewes gets. His father Ronald was born in Lewes and then, after six years with the U.S. Coast Guard, had a 35-year career for the town, first as city manager and then later the general manager of the Board of Public Works. Donovan’s mother Pat studied and then worked at Beebe for years.

“I was born and raised in this state,” he said. “I know Delaware, and I understand Kent County, Sussex County and New Castle County.”

Donovan is a graduate of Cape Henlopen High School and the University of Delaware. Early in his career he worked at The News Journal, and he has in the past managed operations in Salisbury.

Most recently, Donovan has served as regional president of Gannett’s Northeast group and president of the Asbury Park Press in New Jersey.

Donovan said it will be his job to name the paper’s new publisher, but he didn’t restrict himself with a deadline.

“I’m not going to rush to any judgement. I want to make sure, the person I choose is going to be what’s best for The News Journal and Delaware,” he said.