Editorial Integrity

On the eve of our 40 under 40 issue, we received a welcome visit from the person who introduced the concept to Gulfshore Business about eight years ago after seeing similar features in other publications around the country. That individual was founding editor Lori Johnston, who turned the reins over to me as we were gearing up for production of the September edition that year, which is the month in which 40 under 40 has run ever since.

When Lori moved to Georgia in 2003, her writing relationship with the magazine continued, which remained a common thread among the three of us who have edited the publication, including Jill Tyrer and me. Each of us has a lengthy history with the magazine both through freelancing and running the editorial side. We have all worked with, or for, one other at various times—and still do. As such, our institutional knowledge, connection to the business community and commitment to Gulfshore Business are solid, and I believe that has made us a much stronger publication. 

I had hoped that when Lori was here, she, Jill and I could have our picture snapped together, but Jill was on vacation. So Lori and I posed, and she departed, eventually to return home in the Athens area.

Little did I know then that soon, Jill would be Georgia-bound as well. After more than a decade with the magazine—as freelance writer, managing editor, senior editor and editor—Jill has accepted a position at a publication in Atlanta.

Like Lori, Jill has had a tremendous influence on the development and success of Gulfshore Business. Her talent, experience and hard work will be sorely missed, especially by yours truly, who always has felt secure knowing she had my back. We all wish her well.

As long as I’m giving shout-outs to colleagues, I must mention that once again our art director, Jesse Adams, has taken home another award for best cover from the Florida Magazine Association; I’ve lost count how many he’s won. Great job, Jesse.