Longtime Herald executive editor retires

Longtime executive editor of the Heralds John O’Connell retired last Friday after 18 years with Richner Communications.

“John has been a pleasure to work with over the years as we grew and added new communities to our coverage area,” said Heralds publisher Cliff Richner. “I’ll miss his level-headed news judgment, his innate sense of fairness and compassion, and the wonderful sense of collegiality he brought to the newsroom. It's the end of an era at the Herald.”

O’Connell spent three years as the editor of the Valley Stream Herald before becoming the executive editor of the editorial department. He has been an active member of the Press Club of Long Island, and served as its president. He won numerous awards from PCLI, as well as from the New York Press Association. His love of all things Irish is evident in his devotion and participation in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, America’s oldest Irish Catholic Fraternal Organization. He loves to travel, and is an avid and excellent photographer.

Co-publisher, Stuart Richner said that being a good journalist is “almost a given” with John, and that he has so many other positive qualities. “He is a man of character, faith, honesty and integrity,” Stuart said. “He was always measured and objective in dealing with matters. He treated everyone fairly and with respect.  We will miss his leadership and partnership in guiding our editorial team.”

“It goes without saying that after working with John for his entire tenure with the company, I will miss him,” said Michael Bologna, vice president of operations. “He has left an indelible mark on our organization, and we will certainly continue to benefit from the foundation he has laid through his experience and professional excellence for many years to come.”

Bologna added that he and O’Connell shared a mutual verve for emerging technology, and spent a good deal of time just chatting about things that were cool. “I think I will miss that most,” he said.

Vice Presidents of Sales Rhonda Glickman said that she’s known O’Connell since he was the editor of the Valley Stream Herald. “At that time, we worked at different papers and saw each other at Chamber events. I always admired the way the Valley Stream community valued him as their editor.” Glickman said what stands out about her colleague is the way he handled the newsroom when a fire broke out at Richner Communications in 2004 when they were located in Lawrence, and after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Sandy — among other difficult times. “He was just incredible … always steady, leading the staff and getting the newspapers out no matter what the obstacle. “I am so happy to have worked with him and wish him the best in the future.”

“In the six-plus years I have worked at the Herald, John was a tremendous help in making me a better journalist, writer and editor,” said the Nassau Herald editor Jeff Bessen. “Through our conversations that covered many different topics, he has aided in expanding my view of how to cover news and relate to a variety of people.”

All of us at the Herald wish John a very happy, long, relaxing retirement.