End of an Era: Thank You, Kaylene

When one door closes, a new door opens. When I took over the Atlanta Jewish Times a decade ago, Kaylene was by my side. Since that point, she has been the creative force behind your paper, moving with the times and publishing an engaging newspaper for our community. Little things like full-color covers featuring members of our community, bringing back a sports section, introducing business briefs. The list truly goes on.

In addition to the paper, she brought events into the sphere of the AJT such as the Jewish Breakfast Club (for Lunch), the Atlanta Jewish Life Festival, and, most recently, the Kosher BBQ. And, of course, being responsive to hundreds of people, rabbis, leaders, and organizations in the community, a tireless job throughout the years.

As you have heard or surmised, Kaylene is moving on to the next chapter in her career. I will miss her, the paper will miss her, the community will miss her. We will, however, wish her the best, help her in her new endeavors, and, of course, continue to publish.

She will leave with our thanks and support. Kaylene has assembled a fantastic team that will build on her leadership and legacy. I am indebted to her for a seamless transition 10 years ago, building a sales team that helps support our paper, transitioning the paper, in part, to nonprofit status so that it can become self-sufficient, and running the organization, on a day-to-day basis for me. Kaylene, thank you.

As we look forward, I want to announce the promotion of Sasha Heller to Editor-in-Chief and ask the community to begin to rely on Sasha for your needs, concerns and questions. I will certainly be here as well, and, as we search for someone to fill the role of Publisher or Chief Visionary, I will keep you apprised. As always, thank you for your patronage which keeps us close to our mission, keeping Jewish Atlanta connected!

Michael Morris is the owner and publisher of Atlanta Jewish Times.