Derek Dunn-Rankin, founder and chairman of the Sun Coast Media Group, which publishes the Sun newspapers, died this past weekend at his home in Venice (one day before his newspaper won its first Pulitzer). He was 88.

Derek Dunn-Rankin was a former SNPA director and trustee, the recipient of the Mayborn Leadership Award, and the father of current SNPA President David Dunn-Rankin.

The company Dunn-Rankin founded has grown to more than 350 employees, and now includes the daily Sun papers in Charlotte, Englewood and North Port, as well as publications in Venice and DeSoto, Highlands and Polk counties, along with printing facilities in Charlotte and Sarasota.

Ricky Mathews, president of Advance Media Southeast, has announced he will transition out of his role as president of NOLA Media Group | The Times-Picayune after completing the search for his successor. Mathews will continue in his role as president of Advance Media Southeast, and will work with Advance Local, the parent of NOLA Media Group, on a number of company-wide initiatives.

Steve Gray has been named vice president of strategy and innovation of Morris Communications Company, it has been announced by William S. Morris IV, CEO. Gray will be responsible for company-wide strategic planning and innovation.

Nate Edwards, the former vice president of sales for The Augusta Chronicle, has been named as the new general manager for the Hattiesburg American.

Following a meeting of its board of directors, Cox Enterprises, Inc. announced today that Chief Operating Officer John M. Dyer will assume the role of president and chief executive officer, effective Jan. 1.

Dyer will assume leadership of the company following the retirement of outgoing CEO Jimmy W. Hayes.