This job has taken me to some amazing places over the past decade. I’ve camped on the flanks of a smoldering volcano; spent time in villages; visited remote, uninhabited islands; ridden the last Aleutian ferry run of the season to Dutch Harbor. And the list goes on.
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I’ve reached destinations via helicopter, four-wheeler, train, mountain bike, a dizzying array of boats, and airplanes ranging from a four-seat Cessna to a C-130 Hercules. I met many of the people who have shaped Alaska, from Jay Hammond to Ted Stevens. Because I’ve been lucky enough to report stories for this magazine, I’ve seen many corners of the state in ways most people can only imagine. That makes me a very fortunate guy.
It also makes it hard to say goodbye.
But 10 years, first as managing editor and in recent years as the editor, is enough. It’s time to let someone else have a turn at steering the editorial boat at Alaska, and time to give myself fresh challenges at a new job.
Because I’m moving to a nonprofit organization, I’m saying goodbye to more than co-workers. I’m also ending a 25-year career in print media. I’ve been fortunate to work with a lot of great writers and editors, many of whom I’ll never forget, but none were better than the people with whom I crossed paths during my years at Alaska.
To all the great contributors and staff members who shared these years with me, thank you.
And thanks to everyone who reads Alaska. I know how much passion most of you feel for this magazine, because you always cared enough to call or write a letter when we published something you loved, or something you hated.
Your loyalty is what makes it possible for a lucky few of us to chronicle this state for a living. I’m honored to have been here for a sizable piece of Alaska’s 76-year history.
I hope you enjoyed the past decade as much as I did.