The Austin American-Statesman has named Courtney Sebesta as its managing editor, and the former writer and editor will take on a new role in helping lead the news and digital direction of the 151-year-old Texas newspaper.
Sebesta will move into the position Dec. 5 after leaving her job as a director of digital optimization for the Gannett USA Today network.
After graduating with a journalism degree from the University of Texas, Sebesta joined the Statesman in 2002 and spent time in several editorial positions and as a feature and style writer.
She was promoted to digital editor in 2015, overseeing Statesman.com, Austin360.com and Hookem.com before taking a leadership position with Gatehouse Media while it owned the Statesman in 2018.
Andy Sevilla
Andy Sevilla, currently an associate news editor, will take on added responsibilities to lead politics and education and oversee the editing teams for local government, business, technology, public safety and five community publications. He will begin his new role as deputy managing editor Nov. 14.
Sevilla, who has a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University, joined the Statesman in March 2015 as a community news editor. He was promoted earlier this year to associate news editor and diversity, equity and inclusion training coordinator.
Ryan Autullo
In an important newsroom promotion, Austin City Hall reporter Ryan Autullo is the Statesman’s new chief political reporter. Autullo, a veteran journalist, will lead coverage of Texas government and the governor. Autullo is a former sports reporter who has covered courts and is known for his source building and enterprise reporting.