Cheryl Carpenter, the managing editor of the Charlotte Observer, sent out the following announcement to the staff on Tuesday:
We’re pleased to announce that Patrick Scott will become senior editor for both business and projects. While those teams are rarely paired in newsrooms, they are a natural fit in Charlotte, especially now. As you know, the business team has been the source of some of our most meaningful projects. Charlotte, more than most, is a business town. And the economy will be a big story for the foreseeable future. We are also mindful of the need to keep as much strength as possible within the reporting ranks.
Patrick has a remarkable talent for seeing and executing on big, insightful stories. His experience with projects in business news has prepared him well. His love of public service journalism is obvious. Overseeing both teams will require some flexibility on everyone’s part.
Both Jim Walser and Ronnie Glassberg will be key in this effort. Ronnie will play a larger role in business news when Patrick is deeply involved in project editing. Jim Walser, a veteran projects editor, will also be lending a hand. We appreciate the willingness of all these editors to accommodate this crucial responsibility.
Scott, a Temple graduate, has been with the Observer since 1991 and the business editor since May 2005.