Readers may have noticed a few new names in the pages of The Ironton Tribune now that the award-winning staff is looking to get even better with two recent additions.

New Boston native Don Willis, 34, has been hired as the new managing editor, joining the Tribune’s newest reporter, Ironton native Kirsten Stanley, who joined the staff in late February.

Willis will take over the helm of the newsroom, filling the position most recently held by publisher Michael Caldwell. Willis took over the position Monday.

Willis has served as a designer and editor at The Portsmouth Daily Times, The Independent in Ashland and the Dayton Business Journal.

Stanley, 31, has worked as a reporter for nearly a decade covering the Tri-State while at the Independent and the Daily Times.

“At the Tribune, we know how vitally important every single member of the team is to the overall success. Both Kirsten and Don bring tremendous skills to the table and will help us serve our readers and the entire community,” Caldwell said.

“Kirsten has been with us a few months as the eastern Lawrence County reporter and has quickly shown her ability to find the compelling stories that we think people want to read.

“Don is genius when it comes to newspaper design, so I am confident The Ironton Tribune will be looking better than ever as he takes over the reigns and meshes his vision with that of our award-winning staff already in place.”

For Willis, returning from the hustle and bustle of Dayton to his roots at a community newspaper was truly a homecoming he was looking forward to.

“It’s just great to be back in southern Ohio, where I was born and raised,” Willis said. “I have a true love of the news business, and I’m really looking forward to working with such a talented staff.”

Joining the Tribune has given Stanley the chance to write for her hometown paper and cover the county she loves.

“I love being part of a newspaper that is focused on my community,” Stanley said. “We have a great team and a fun work environment.”

To reach Willis, call (740) 532-1445 ext. 12 or by e-mail at don.willis@irontontribune.com.

To reach Stanley, call (740) 532-1445 ext. 19 or by e-mail at

kirsten.stanley@irontontri bune.com.