Brian Bloom and Ron Smith appointed to new roles with CNHI

Brian Bloom and Ron Smith

Brian Bloom, a third generation newspaper executive, has been named publisher and advertising director of the Goshen (Ind.) News.

Robyn McCloskey, senior vice president of operations for Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc., the paper's parent corporation, said Bloom succeeds Ron Smith, who will become publisher of the CNHI-owned Washington (Ind.) Times-Herald. Smith was publisher of the Washington Times-Herald until three years ago, and is now returning to that role. He also will serve as the paper's advertising director.

Most recently, Bloom was the general manager and advertising director of the Effingham (Ill.) Daily News, also a CNHI newspaper.  McCloskey said that a search is underway for Bloom's replacement in Effingham.

"Brian is a seasoned executive with a strong passion for community journalism," said McCloskey.  "He also has a proven record of working with advertisers on creative ideas and products that help grow the local economy."

A native of Woodbine, Iowa, Bloom has managed newspapers, or newspaper groups in Iowa, Georgia, Massachusetts, Colorado, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee and Illinois.

"I'm looking forward to being part of the dynamic and progressive Goshen area," said Bloom. "The combination of a surging downtown and burgeoning residential area is an exciting environment."

Washington Times-Herald
Smith left the Washington Times-Herald in December of 2011 to become publisher of the Goshen News in northern Indiana.

"Ron is an excellent newspaper executive and he has been a tremendous asset to the company," said McCloskey. "I am excited for him to return to southern Indiana where I know that he will have a positive impact on the newspaper and in the community."

"I am thrilled and honored to be returning to the Washington Times-Herald, especially on the eve of the city's 200^th anniversary. It is a great time to relocate back to Washington," said Smith. "The Times-Herald has a proud tradition of providing Washington and surrounding communities a first-class local newspaper.  I look forward to working with the staff on future endeavors."

A native of Rockville, Ind., Smith is a graduate of Lincoln Trail College in Robinson, Ill.