Green named Press Democrat executive editor, Sonoma Media chief content officer

Richard A. Green has been appointed the new executive editor of The Press Democrat and chief content officer of parent company Sonoma Media Investments. Previously, he was editor at The Courier Journal.

As executive editor, Green succeeds Cathy Barnett, who retired in December after a 44-year career.

Green will also take on a more strategic role as chief content officer, working with the staff and story plans at all properties owned by SMI. Green says:

“I am incredibly honored and humbled by the opportunity to work with the talented and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists at The Press Democrat and across the Sonoma Media Investments family. I come to Sonoma County with a passion for memorable storytelling and revelatory watchdog reporting that puts our readers first, however they may find and read our content.

“I spent seven years as a top editor in Palm Springs, and I am very excited to return to California and to spearhead our efforts to deliver fair and fearless journalism to this beautiful corner of the state. This is a sophisticated and plugged-in community that cares about news close to home and the biggest stories from Sacramento to Washington. I can’t wait to get started.”

Green spent almost 34 years with Gannett Co., and about 260 other news sites across the country. He has served as a reporter, bureau chief, assignment editor, top editor and president and publisher in Gannett operations.

His Louisville newsroom received the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news, beating The Los Angeles Times and Washington Post in the category.

Green completed his journalism studies in 1987 at the Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University.