After two and a half hours of deliberation, the Oregon Daily Emerald’s Board of Directors named Ashley Chase editor-in-chief for next year.
Chase currently serves as design editor and was one of two candidates who applied for the position. The other candidate was Online Editor Michael Calcagno. Board Chairman Mark Watson said it was a unanimous decision.
“The Board felt that Ashley has more experience,” said Watson. “She’s really moved through all the positions and understands the role of what happens in the newsroom so well.”
Watson said the Board is excited about next year and putting the paper in Chase’s hands. Chase becomes editor-in-training on May 1 and will step in as editor-in-chief on June 1.
“I’m ready to bring the heat,” said Chase. “I’m most excited to energize the Emerald staff and readers more than they ever have been before and get people excited about newspapers again.”
Emerald staff members said Chase is a natural and inspirational leader.
“I’m very excited about the leadership skills Ashley brings to the paper,” said Managing Editor Katie Michael. “She gets people to want to be here and to want to work for her.”
Ryan Heidt, a graphic designer for the Emerald, said Chase has served as a mentor to him for as long as he has been on the newspaper staff.
“We built a really good friendship in addition to the working relationship that we have,” said Heidt. “She loves the Emerald. The Emerald is her life,” said Heidt. “It’s weird but it’s inspiring.”