Charlotte deputy biz editor resigns

TALKING BIZ NEWS EXCLUSIVE

Tony Mecia, the deputy business editor at the Charlotte Observer, has resigned from the paper after 12 years.

His last day is Friday, Nov. 13. Mecia took the buyout offer.

In an e-mail Wednesday night sent to friends and former co-workers, Mecia stated, “I’m writing to let you know that after 12 years at the Charlotte Observer, including the last eight on the business desk, I’ve decided to leave the paper and start fresh doing something else.

“I have enjoyed my time here and have learned a lot by writing about local companies and helping direct our business coverage. However, I am now looking forward to using my knowledge and skills as a freelance business writer for companies and publications.”

Mecia was part of a team that won a Society of American Business Editors and Writers‘ Best in Business Award this past year for its coverage of Wells Fargo’s acquisition of Wachovia. He was also a BIB winner four other times this decade for coverage of the airline and textile industries.

Mecia graduated from Duke University in 1994, and received a master’s degree in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1998.

We’ve asked business editor Patrick Scott if Mecia will be replaced and will update when we hear back from him.

UPDATE: Scott called Mecia’s departure “a big loss” and added, “We’ll make do with a patch job for the remainder of the fourth quarter, and I expect to have a full time deputy in the coming year.”