Sams named editor of Albuquerque Business First

Albuquerque Business First, part of the American City Business Journals chain, announced that Rachel Sams has been promoted to editor-in-chief, effective Feb. 1.

A story on its website states, “Sams was previously managing editor of the publication, a position she held since October 2012. She has worked with American City Business Journals, Albuquerque Business First’s parent company, for 11 years. In March 2009, Sams transferred to Albuquerque from the Baltimore Business Journal, a sister publication, to take on the role of associate editor.

“As editor-in-chief, Sams will be responsible for the strategic direction of Business First’s Web and print news products, as well as continuing to grow the readership of both.

“Sams succeeds Joe Renaud, who is leaving Business First on Feb. 28 to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher in the Albuquerque area. He will serve as outgoing editor-in-chief until that date, aiding in the transition of his responsibilities and working toward the relaunch of Albuquerque Business First at the end of February. The relaunch marks a culmination and celebration of all of the changes that have been made to the print and Web news products over the course of the past 12 months.

“‘I’m thrilled that Rachel will be stepping into the editorial department’s chief leadership position, and it’s a great comfort to know that our publication will be in such capable hands as I depart to pursue my teaching career,’ Renaud said.”

Read more here.