Rondra Matthews Steps Down as Publisher at 'Sun' of Baltimore

Rondra Matthews, publisher of The Sun in Baltimore, is stepping down for personal reasons. Timothy Ryan, currently vice president of circulation and consumer marketing at the Chicago Tribune, is taking over as president, publisher, and CEO, effective March 23.

In an e-mail to Sun employees, Matthews explained her decision: "I have been conflicted by the demands of this job and my desire to be attentive to an aging parent. I have decided to return to Virginia to spend more time with my mother and other family members.

"I admire greatly the rich tradition of the Sun's service to this community, and the talent of the staff who dedicate themselves to quality journalism and serving our readers and advertisers with passion and excellence. "

Matthews was named publisher of the Sun in September 2006. Before that, she was president and publisher of The Daily Press in Newport News, Va.

Ryan has worked for the Sun prior to his position in Chicago, he served as the Sun's vice president of circulation and operations from 2000 to 2005.

"Tim will be outstanding in succeeding Ronnie," Bob Gremillion, Tribune Publishing group vice president, said in a statement. "He has extensive experience at major market newspapers, serving in positions of increasing responsibility in circulation and marketing. He knows Baltimore well and understands what readers and advertisers expect from the region's best-read newspaper."