(This story by the staff of New England Newspapers was published by the Bennington Banner on Dec. 13, 2017.)
[A]lan English is stepping down as publisher of New England Newspapers Inc. to pursue public service in a new sector as head of communications for the Military Officers Association of America.
New England Newspapers Inc. President Fredric D. Rutberg will become president and publisher of the company’s four news titles — the Bennington Banner, Brattleboro Reformer and Manchester Journal in Vermont and The Berkshire Eagle in Massachusetts — along with its magazines and niche publications.
“It has been an honor to serve and work with this team on its noble mission” at New England Newspapers, English said.
His last day will be Jan. 3.
“Alan is leaving a stronger organization than he found,” said Rutberg. “My partners and I are disappointed that Alan decided to change careers. However, we are proud that he has decided to serve his country, and we completely respect his decision.”
Rutberg, the company’s president and a co-owner, also will now don the mantle of publisher, a role that oversees the various departments — including advertising, news, production and delivery — at a newspaper.
“I am both thrilled and awed at the opportunity that has been given to me by Alan’s unexpected career change,” Rutberg said.
Rutberg, a retired district court judge from Stockbridge, Massachusetts, hatched the plan some three years ago that put New England Newspapers Inc. under local ownership — for the first time in 21 years — in May 2016. Rutberg’s ownership partners include Robert G. Wilmers, Hans Morris and Judith Lipsey.
Rutberg’s diligent work of the past three years has prepared him to take the reins now as publisher, he said.
“I believe I am ready and qualified to step in now,” he said.
“Eighteen months ago, Bob Wilmers announced our goal to the world: We would make The Berkshire Eagle the finest community newspaper in America and New England Newspapers the finest group of community newspapers in America,” Rutberg said. “We also announced our somewhat radical business plan: Improve the quality and quantity of the content we publish, which would increase the readership, which, in turn, would increase the advertising revenues that will ensure our sustainability.
“Because of that stunning work that everyone in this company — from the inserters to the editors — has done, we can honestly say that the quality of our publications has increased and increased significantly. But this is just the beginning, and with your continued help and enthusiasm, we will all see this organization and its publications continue to soar. I look forward to being at the helm during this next phase.”
The new ownership group has reinvested in the company and added about 55 jobs to the operations, including in the news department that had been wracked by previous corporate ownership. Since the purchase, New England Newspapers publications have won numerous journalism awards from industry associations.
English, 52, called it “bittersweet to leave” but said his new job as vice president of communications at the Military Officers Association of America in Washington, D.C., is a “terrific opportunity to do what I love and to serve the country in a new way.” The association represents and advocates for 350,000 officers in the armed forces and the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
In his role, English will be involved in advocacy, media operations, and services and initiatives helping active-duty and retired military officers and their families. The job also includes serving as publisher and editor-in-chief of Military Officer magazine.
Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, president and CEO of Military Officers Association of America, met and worked with English in 2012. Atkins praised English’s expertise in new media platforms, such as social networks, that will help the association grow beyond legacy communication platforms.
Atkins also said English brings a “leadership piece.”
“And I think great teams have energetic leaders. He’s also probably one of the best mentors I’ve run across in my career,” Atkins said.
English came to New England Newspapers from The Shreveport Times in Louisiana, where he was president and publisher. English also has held executive positions at newspapers in Arkansas, Georgia, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and Tennessee. He and his wife have two children.
“In the last year here, we’ve accomplished much to improve the quality of the journalism and to advance the business of doing public service,” English said.
“Fred Rutberg is an inspiration, and I love our partnership and teamwork,” English continued. “I consider our work together one of the top moments in my journalism career.”
Rutberg, 72, lives in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. He retired in 2015 after 21 years on the Berkshire District Court bench.
A Philadelphia native, Rutberg graduated from the University of Michigan and New York University School of Law. He began his law career with the New York Human Rights Commission and established his Berkshire County law practice in 1974.
