Nevada Appeal's new publisher begins today

The Nevada Appeal welcomes a new publisher today.

Niki Gladys is coming to the Appeal from the Dallas Morning News, where she served most recently as senior director of local sales.

"The Nevada Appeal is fortunate to have someone with Niki's extensive newspaper experience and media background join the organization," said Scott McElhaney, general manager of the Sierra Nevada Media Group. "She will be a great asset to us and to the community."

Gladys has more than 17 years experience in sales, most of that with the San Jose Mercury News and the Dallas Morning News.

Although Carson City will be a big change from Dallas, Gladys, 40, said she is looking forward to the move. During her nine years at the San Jose Mercury News, she and her husband often vacationed in Lake Tahoe and became somewhat familiar with Carson City.

"We love the outdoors lifestyle," Gladys said. "We're looking forward to a place where we can hike and bike and be outside."

She is also looking forward to the new job, where she will serve as chief executive, managing the various departments at the newspaper.

"I am so excited about the position," she said in a phone interview on Thursday. "I think it's going to be challenging and rewarding."

As far as specific goals, Gladys said she will determine those once she gets here.

"I want to take the time to understand the community and the paper," she said. "I want to find out what readers like about the paper and what we can do to improve."

Gladys replaces John DiMambro, who left the company in January. Peter Kostes served as interim publisher and will now resume his role as regional editor for the Sierra Nevada Media Group.

McElhaney, who manages the seven newspapers in the media group, said Gladys' extensive background in sales and management will benefit the Appeal and its readers.

"She's enthusiastic and able to grasp the big picture," he said. "She has an extensive professional background and understands how the business works."

Among her accomplishments, Gladys was named to the board of directors for the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce in 2007 and was recognized nationally as "Top 20 under 40" by Presstime Magazine in December 2001.

She will be joined by her husband, John, and two children Amelia, 6, and Jack, 20 months.