Libby Leyden joined the Press Banner staff as editor on Monday.
Leyden was selected after an intense local and national search for a new editor following the departure of Barry Holtzclaw in Setember.
Leyden comes most recently from the Mitchell Daily Republic in South Dakota where she was a crime and courts reporter. She earned her Master’s degree in journalism from the University of California Berkeley, where she was also a research assistant for the award-winning investigative reporting program.
Leyden worked at KQED, the World Policy Journal and HGTV Magazine. She spent six months in South Africa in 2013 and 2015 preparing her Master’s thesis about environmental and ecological issues.
“We had candidates from within the community and around the world apply to be the editor of the Press Banner,” said Will Fleet, co-owner and publisher. “We are incredibly fortunate to have a professional of Libby’s caliber who is as committed to local journalism as we are. Libby understands how important community-centered reporting is to the people of San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley.”
Leyden said she relishes getting to know the people of SLV and Scotts Valley.
“I am excited to get to know the community and serve as editor for the Press Banner,” Leyden said. “I bring to the newsroom my passion and love for local reporting.”
Leyden began her tenure on Monday and can be reached at ll*****@pr*********.com or (831)438-2500.
