MADISON — After leading the Wisconsin State Journal newsroom in Madison for nearly 12 years, editor John Smalley will step down from the role later this month, the newspaper announced Thursday.
As an Evansville native who grew up reading the State Journal, Smalley described the editor role as his “dream job.” His last day at the newspaper will be Aug. 21.
Smalley began his journalism career in 1977 as a part-time sports reporter for the La Crosse Tribune. After graduating from UW-La Crosse in 1981, his first full-time job was as assistant sports editor for the Globe Gazette in Mason City, Iowa.
He went on to serve as editor of the Globe Gazette, and returned to the Tribune as editor before joining the State Journal in December 2008. According to the announcement, Smalley marked his anniversary date each year by wearing a tuxedo to the State Journal office.
Smalley also serves as a member of the WNA Board of Directors.
