The Central Florida Association of Black Journalists would like to express our best wishes to longtime CFABJ member Mark Russell.

The Orlando Sentinel announced Wednesday that Russell was leaving the paper as part of a restructuring. The news comes on the heels of the conclusion NABJ’s 38th Annual Convention and Career Fair in Kissimmee, Florida where Russell was a strong presence representing both the paper and CFABJ.

Russell was the first African American to run the Orlando Sentinel’s newsroom and one of few blacks leading a major daily newspaper in the U.S. Since being appointed editor in 2010, Russell led the Sentinel through several major stories including coverage of the Casey Anthony trial and continuous reporting on the Trayvon Martin case, both of which garnered the paper several awards.

For years Mark has served in many roles within CFABJ, most recently as Vice-President of Print. “Mark has been a member we have been able to consistently rely on. He played a key part in rebuilding the chapter so we would be ready to host this year’s convention. His service and commitment to our organization is unmatched,” CFABJ President Syan Rhodes said.

CFABJ is proud to call Mark a friend and mentor and we look forward to the next step in his distinguished journalism career!

UPDATE:

Former Orlando editor Mark Russell named managing editor at The Commercial Appeal