Platte County R-3 grad, former Citizen intern, longtime News-Press sports editor will serve as managing editor
It has taken 13 years, but Ross Martin is returning to The Citizen.
Citizen owner/publisher Lee Stubbs announced this week that Martin will take over as The Citizen’s managing editor beginning June 12. Martin, 31, comes to The Citizen after working for the St. Joseph News-Press the past 11 years, including the last four-plus years as sports editor. He is a 2001 Platte County High School graduate and also worked for The Citizen as a student writer in 2000-2001. “Coming back home seems fitting,” Martin said. “The Citizen helped build my foundation in journalism and lead me down my professional path. This is a rare chance to give back and come full circle.” Stubbs said Martin is a welcome addition to The Citizen and is confident he will be a strong asset to the community. “Ross is an experienced and talented journalist and editor,” Stubbs said. “He also is very familiar with the Platte City and Platte County areas, its people and its values. With his Platte County roots, Ross will not only continue but enhance The Citizen’s reputation for strong, fair and objective journalism and community involvement. I am thrilled to welcome Ross back to The Citizen family.” Martin was editor-in-chief of Platte County High School’s Pirate Clipper for two years prior to his graduation. He then attended Missouri Western State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English, with an emphasis in journalism. Martin began his tenure at The News-Press as a part-time sports clerk in February 2002 and started full-time in February 2005. He became assistant sports editor in 2006 and sports editor in August 2010. Martin earned 14 awards from the Missouri College Media Association while a staff member of his college newspaper, The Griffon News. He has also won multiple awards in various state-wide newspaper contests for writing, design and The News-Press’ overall sports section. Stubbs said Martin’s duties will include overseeing day-to-day newspaper operations of The Citizen, both print and online. He will join an award-winning staff that includes advertising manager Pam Ulitschan, reporter/photographer Jeanette Browning-Faubion, columnist Bill Graham, photographer Chris Patterson and graphic designer Ambra Miller. “I’m looking forward to a new opportunity,” Martin said. “I hope to take all of the experience I’ve gained at the St. Joseph News-Press and applying it to help keep up the high standards in place at The Citizen. I want to make sure this publication benefits the communities it serves.” Martin lives with his wife Krystle and young son Cale and lists much of his family as Platte County residents.