Press-Banner hires new leader

Suellene Petersen will join the Press-Banner on Monday as the new general manager and editor.
Petersen was selected by co-Publisher Will Fleet from a pool of candidates because of her connection and involvement with the Scotts Valley/San Lorenzo Valley community.
“Suellene epitomizes the things that make Scotts Valley and the San Lorenzo Valley great places to live: community spirit, neighborly support and determination to do things the right way,” Fleet said.
Petersen is a retired Certified Public Accountant and illustrator/designer. She has been active after leaving her career. Petersen is currently the Public Information Coordinator for the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Pacific Division, Santa Clara Valley — which serves five counties; president of the not-for-profit Santa Cruz County Amateur Radio Club, Inc.; and, member of the Council of Santa Cruz County Public Information Officers.
Petersen was instrumental in recent local water service issues and said she plans to make drought and water coverage one of the priorities for the Press-Banner.
Petersen said she will make sure the Press-Banner expands upon its reputation as a bridge between residents and communities.
“The Press-Banner for me is a community highway by which everyone can communicate their concerns. Their interests. Their happiness,” she said. “That whole wheel of public interest that needs to be there to keep the community together.”
Petersen said she also comes to the newspaper with a long-range goal.
“The paper can bring some understanding to issues,” she said. “I’d like to see that influence be explored in a way that is very positive and brings benefits to everyone in each of our communities.”