Colorado Mountain News Media announced Wednesday that Randy Essex has been named publisher of the Post Independent.

Essex, a veteran journalist who has been the PI editor since May 2014, will retain his duties as editor.

He succeeds Michael Bennett, who will become a regional digital business development manager with CMNM. Bennett had been PI publisher since October 2013.

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Bennett served a dual role as publisher and advertising director, and the PI is in the process of hiring a new advertising director, to be announced soon.

“The Post Independent and its predecessors have served Glenwood Springs for 124 years,” Essex said. “It is beyond an honor to lead an organization that is so central to life in such a wonderful place to live.

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“I’m here for the long haul,” he said. “My wife and I love the lifestyle, of course, and professionally, it’s enriching to be so close to these really interesting, diverse communities. More than once, I’ve gone home thinking I’ve had as much fun at work as at any point in my career.”

Essex came to Glenwood Springs from the Cincinnati Enquirer, where he was senior editor for news. He previously was a deputy managing editor at the Detroit Free Press and assistant managing editor at the Des Moines Register.

He is the 2016 winner of the Burl Osborne Award for Editorial Leadership from the American Society of News Editors for Post Independent editorials calling for decency toward immigrants.

“I want us to be known for caring about our communities, their people and their businesses,” he said. “We want to identify the most important issues, do great journalism about them and help solve problems.”

He said PI problem-solving extends to its business customers, offering a range of print and digital advertising solutions, plus digital and marketing services.

“Helping businesses succeed strengthens the community, just as good civic journalism strengthens communities,” Essex said.

Bennett will remain at the PI into September during the transition of management.

“Sales and digital marketing in particular are my passion,” he said. “I often have said that I wish I had the sales tools and products available back in the ‘70s when I was on the street. My wish has come true. This new position is going to be fun.”

Essex said he and the advertising director will hold public meetings in the fall as they settle into their new roles.