New managing editor hired at Tompkins Weekly
A new managing editor has recently taken the helm of Tompkins Weekly. Rob Montana, with 15 years of experience in community journalism, has recently taken the reins from longtime managing editor Jay Wrolstad. Montana has worked for two daily newspapers and as a freelance writer for The Ithaca Journal, as well as served as managing editor for The Ithaca Times for five years.
“I can’t think of a better, more qualified person than Rob Montana to oversee editorial content into our second decade.” stated Vizella Media’s Todd Mallinson, who is publisher of Tompkins Weekly. “Rob understands the complexity and charm of Tompkins County and he also has an innate passion for community journalism. With football season nearing, we’re pleased to have a Montana as our quarterback.”
In his most recent newspaper role, Montana was managing editor of The Times Record daily newspaper in Brunswick, Maine, before he and his family were drawn back to Tompkins County. For the past year, he has been employed by Challenge Workforce Solutions in its marketing and development department. While the non-profit organization has been a rewarding place to work, Montana is excited to return to journalism.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to lead Tompkins Weekly,” he said. “I feel fortunate to have the chance to live in the place I most want to be and do the work I am passionate about doing.”
As for what readers can expect under his leadership, Montana said his emphasis is on providing a breadth of coverage of community news, sports, events and culture.
“I’ve always felt it is the responsibility of a newspaper to be a resource to its community,” he said. “That means we need to not just report on what the local governments are doing, but share the stories of the people living in our community, showcase the overwhelming number of events that take place in Tompkins County and highlight the opportunities around us.”
Montana came to the Ithaca area in 2008 after having worked for The Evening Tribune daily newspaper in Hornell, NY. He also has spent time working in local radio and freelancing for a baseball magazine.
Newspapers Montana has worked for have received honors from the New York Press Association and Maine Press Association, and he has been honored individually for his work by the New York Newspaper Publisher’s Association, New York Press Association and Maine American Legion. In addition, he was given the Rère Sojourner Hassett Social Justice Award by Ithaca’s Multicultural Resource Center in 2012.
He lives with his wife, Kristy, and daughter, Grace, in the town of Ulysses. When not working, Montana and his family enjoy taking advantage of the plentiful outdoor recreation options in the region. An avid baseball fan, particularly the New York Mets, he also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Ulysses Philomathic Library.