AnnArbor.com announces new editorial leadership

Gardner will serve as Community News Director for Ann Arbor, which is part of the MLive Media Group.

Dearing will join the NJ.com editorial team. He joins Matt Kraner, AnnArbor.com’s founding CEO, in the New Jersey-based venture.

AnnArbor.com was launched in summer 2009, building its web presence into what this past winter was measured - with MLive.com — as the top newspaper affiliated website in the U.S. for reach in a local market. It also publishes a newspaper on Thursday and Sunday.

“Under Tony’s leadership, we built a new model for digital local news coverage, and developed a newsroom that operates with a spirit of teamwork, collaboration, integrity and urgency,” said Laurel Champion, executive vice president of AnnArbor.com.

“While we are sad to see Tony leave Ann Arbor, we are very fortunate that he leaves us with this outstanding local news team in Ann Arbor,” Champion said.

Gardner, an Ann Arbor resident, joined AnnArbor.com at its launch, when she was Business Director. She previously was editor of Michigan Business Review, which included Ann Arbor Business Review. She’s been a journalist in the Ann Arbor area since 1988, working at the former Ypsilanti Press, Ann Arbor News and Detroit Free Press before joining Business Review at its launch in 2003.

“Paula has played a significant role in our company’s success,” Champion said, “setting high standards for local journalism while growing our audience substantially. I am looking forward to working more closely with Paula, and know that the leadership she brings will continue our growth and success.”

MLive Media Group, including its Mlive.com website and print publications, covers statewide news and nine other markets in Michigan, including Detroit, Lansing and Grand Rapids.