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Perez retires as executive editor of NYT Co.’s Lakeland Ledger

avatar by Published Dec. 10, 2010 7:49 am Updated Dec. 10, 2010 7:52 am

Lakeland Ledger
During Louis M. “Skip” Perez‘s 30-year tenure, the Ledger won 91 New York Times Co. citations for journalistic excellence. He’s the longest-serving executive editor of a daily paper in Florida and is the Ledger’s longest-serving editor since its inception in 1924.

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  • Susan Kille

    Skip Perez inspired a generation (or two) of journalists and has always been fast to challenge any threat to press freedom. I once asked him about the personal qualities that an editor needs. This is what he said:
    * Caring deeply about the paper and its force for good.
    * Love is not too strong a word. Your staff will know if you feel that way.
    * Set high standards. Overreach.
    * Ask many questions.
    * Notice the little things. People need to know you care about their work.
    * A sense of humor helps. Learn to laugh at yourself.
    * Trust your instincts.

    Here’s a link to a Q&A interview with Skip in the American Editor. It’s a bit dated with references to “newspapers” instead of 24/7 news organizations, but what he has to say about being an editor remains on target:
    http://asne.org/article_view/smid/686/articleid/1629.aspx

    – Susan Kille