The Vineyard Gazette will welcome a new editor in July when Brian P. Boyd succeeds Julia Wells, who is retiring after 18 years as newsroom leader. Mr. Boyd, 53, joins the Gazette from Shore Publishing on the Connecticut coast, where he is editor.
The Vineyard Gazette will welcome a new editor in July when Brian P. Boyd succeeds Julia Wells, who is retiring after 18 years as newsroom leader.
Mr. Boyd, 53, joins the Gazette from Shore Publishing on the Connecticut coast, where he is editor in charge of seven weekly newspapers, associated websites and more than a dozen specialty publications. A graduate of Yale University, he joined Shore in 2000 as a reporter and photographer and quickly took on management responsibilities, adding two titles and overseeing the launch of the company’s first website.
Ms. Wells, 70, is stepping down after four decades of covering the news, interviewing newsmakers and charting the social, environmental and cultural changes that have shaped the Island. By the time she joined the Gazette in 1984, she had already cut her teeth as the Vineyard reporter for the New Bedford Standard Times and the Cape Cod Times. She rose to senior reporter of the Gazette before being named editor in 2004 by then-publisher Richard Reston.
She was named to the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame in 2020.
“No one can match Julie’s knowledge of and devotion to the Vineyard, but in Brian we’ve found someone who is equally passionate about community journalism,” said Jane Seagrave, publisher of the Gazette. “His experience covering 13 very different New England towns has remarkable parallels, and he brings a native curiosity, a love of nature and a commitment to the highest standards of news reporting.”
At Shore Publishing, Mr. Boyd directs a staff of 23 reporters and freelance writers, and has been involved in developing new media applications, hosting events and moderating discussions and setting editorial standards.
At the Gazette, he will join an experienced editing team, including Bill Eville, managing editor, Stephen Durkee, director of graphics and design, and Elizabeth Bennett, community editor.
“The Gazette has earned a reputation for integrity and excellence across the news industry, and I’m delighted that I get to be a part of it,” Mr. Boyd said. “Two things about this opportunity stand out. First, so many different communities of people deeply identify the Vineyard as their home, and that makes it is a fascinating and important place to cover. I’m also drawn by the prospect of working with the Gazette’s amazing team of editors, writers and contributors to tell these stories.”
Mr. Boyd serves on the board of directors of the Valley Shore YMCA. He previously served on the board of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce and was a founding member of the Deep River Farmer’s Market.
His interests include hiking, pizza-making, gardening and designing and building guitars.
He and his wife, Marisa, a communications professional and former journalist, will live in Edgartown. They have a dog, Oliver, and a cat, Roger.
Ms. Wells, who lives in West Tisbury, will continue to write for the Gazette as a contributor and will retain a place on the masthead as editor emeritus.
“It’s been a privilege and so much fun to have been part of a newspaper for the last 38 years that holds the highest standards for excellence, and it’s an honor to hand the reins to Brian,” Ms. Wells said. “This is the start of an exciting new chapter at the Gazette — the paper that I love — and also for me personally, on the Island that I love. Those two things have always been intertwined.”
Mr. Boyd begins work on July 11. An open house to honor Ms. Wells and welcome Mr. Boyd is planned for late July.
Comments
Tough pair of shoes to fill.
George Stein Oak BluffsTough pair of shoes to fill. Your service is much appreciated young lady. Best of luck to a new pair of eyes to set the vision of the future.
Good God! Julia is no young
Pia Webster EdgartownGood God! Julia is no young lady! She is, and always will be, a woman warrior of the highest order!
Thank you Julia, for your
Mark Hess EdgartownThank you Julia, for your dedication to, and your exemplary stewardship of, the finest newspaper in the world.
I am so excited that Brian
Lee White Shore Publishing, Madison, CTI am so excited that Brian Boyd has been named editor of the Vineyard Gazette. Our loss is your win!
I worked at Gazette over 30
James Kozak Vineyard HavenI worked at Gazette over 30 years ago, and if there was one word to describe Julia it was a "blur."
She never travelled slow when there was work to do.
The Gazette was lucky to have her for so long.
Please don't stop writing though.
Though I communicated with
ECS North Plam Beach / EdgartownThough I communicated with you over the years a few times aI never took the time get into who was responsible for what at the Gazette. I should have. However that fact that I didn't in itself is probably a complement to you as maybe what I at least perceived as a low profile is appropriate for the position. At any rate I love the paper and what wonderful job indeed you obviously have done! Best wishes for an equally successful retirement.
My word. Somehow I imagined
Alan Brigish West TisburyMy word. Somehow I imagined that Julia, like the Gazette, would be there forever.
Having worked with Julia on and off over the past 20 years, I can say it was a privilege. She was always available, willing to listen and then hard-headed in her decisions. Mutual respect was what I expected and received. Go forth gently Julia into retirement. It is earned and deserved.
Godspeed Julia Welles and
Dana Anderson HonoluluGodspeed Julia Welles and welcome Brian Boyd. Mark Hess got it right when he referred to your stewardship, your embrace of all things and peoples at that venerable old newspaper. Your good voice and elegant style kept the banners high. The picture of you two is wonderful and tells its own story.
Enjoy your retirement and don't forget my invitation to you to wander west and over the Pacific to land in Honolulu one day. It would be a joy to welcome you here.
Happy retirement Julia! Don
Shelley Christiansen Oak BluffsHappy retirement Julia! Don’t cheat. Indulge. The best news for the rest of us: You’ll still be amongst us.
Hearing of her retirement
Harry Seymour Oak BluffsHearing of her retirement brings about mixed emotions. When someone touches mind and heart so often each week for so many years with excellence of stewardship, writing and editorship it makes me feel I’m losing an old friend. The irony of this, and regret, is that I’ve never met her. Yet she has been a significant impetus in the sharing of my points of view through poem/painting in commentary. I will miss submitting work to her and experiencing the silent wait of anxiousness until the exhilaration felt in her reply, “I love this.” Julia Wells has earned and deserves the opportunity to explore the wonders that retirement can bring, and I truly hope she does.
Congrats to both of You!
susan silk west tisburyCongrats to both of You!
What a run, Julie! How WILL
David Corriveau Lebanon, New HampshireWhat a run, Julie! How WILL my ex-colleague , who started at the Gazette the same month I did, fill her summers NOW?
Julia was terrific! I have
Timothy Dacey Metuchen, NJ ( summer Edgartown)Julia was terrific! I have counted on her for objective reporting for 21 years. She is an "Island Hero" who will be missed by the public. My wife Lisa and I wish you the best in retirement!
GOD BLESS YOU JULIA, YOU'VE
GODSPAL MVGOD BLESS YOU JULIA, YOU'VE DONE WELL(S).GOD BLESS US ALL.
May we imagine! Here comes
Rob HughesMay we imagine! Here comes the "Country Editor" (HBH) with no "Deadline" (J. Reston, Dick's dad, for those who may not remember). Many of us hope to hear much more from such a gifted journalist as the transition to historian sharpens and broadens.
Julia, you've always been a
John Washbrook West TisburyJulia, you've always been a favorite reporter of mine. Seeing your byline would steer me straight to reading your articles first. You've been a treasure to the Vineyard. Now it's time to enjoy your retirement. Congratulations!!
Our paths have crossed
Joan Talmadge East OrleansOur paths have crossed multiple times over the years, and I have always been impressed with your work ethic, professionalism, and excellent writing. While I realize that you are retiring, I am not entirely sure that you will every truly retire. It's certain that you will remain involved and productive on the Island that you call home. Congratulations!
I have known Brian Boyd
Greg Monteith Clinton, CTI have known Brian Boyd personally and worked with him professionally during my brief yet productive tenure at Shore Publishing in Madison, CT. He will be a wonderful asset to the Vineyard Gazette and will be sorely missed in CT. Congratulations Brian and good luck! I hope we can stay in touch. Thank you for all your help and support.
Fair Winds Julie, you've
Matthew Stackpole West TisburyFair Winds Julie, you've crewed and captained the great ship Vineyard Gazette on many voyages and always brought it back safely to port. Well done, the folks who proceeded you will be happy and honored for you to join them.
Good luck Brian sorry to see
Sam Bartiett GuilfordGood luck Brian sorry to see you go!
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