Kemp named regional VP for Rust Communications

Ron Kemp of Rector is one of three Rust Communications veteran group publishers elevated this week into roles as regional vice-presidents, working with Rust newspaper publishers in different regions of the country.

Kemp, longtime publisher of the Clay County Democrat and Piggott Times, as well as the Town Crier in Manila and the Democrat-Tribune in Trumann, has added the responsibilities of papers in southwest Missouri, central Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Idaho.

He has for some time served the company as a regional manager and also will continue to be responsible for Areawide Media, based in Salem, and Carroll County Newspapers, based in Berryville.

Bud Hunt of Kennett, publisher of the Daily Dunklin Democrat and other southeast Missouri papers, has added responsibilities there as well as in western Tennessee. Randy List, based in Indiana, has added responsibilities in eastern Tennessee and Iowa.

The announcement was made Aug. 31 by Rust Communications co-presidents Rex Rust and Jon K. Rust.

"The secret to our company's success has long been excellent publishers who are committed to their communities," said Jon K. Rust. "Maintaining the special culture here -- hardworking, respectful, faithful, fun, innovative, familial and open -- was vital to us in determining our management structure for the future."

"We have great confidence in Ron, Bud and Randy," said Rex Rust. "We look forward to them taking expanded leadership roles throughout Rust. This is a management transition, which we developed over the past year, but sadly implemented earlier than planned."

Rust Communications is a family-owned media company with 19 daily and more than 30 weekly newspapers in eight states. Besides newspapers and related web sites, the company publishes numerous niche magazines, operates commercial printing operations and is partial owner of 17 radio stations. Former chief operating officer Wally Lage died unexpectedly in August. The new positions of regional vice-president will report directly to the co-presidents. Gary W. Rust is chairman of the board.