This week the Alberni Valley News welcomed a new publisher to the fold, Teresa Bird.
Bird replaces founding News publisher John Tierney, who has taken a position as publisher of Where Victoria, another Black Press publication.
Bird comes to the Alberni Valley after working at the North Island Gazette in Port Hardy for 15 years, the last four as publisher/editor.
Training at Cariboo College and starting her career at a newspaper in Ucluelet 30 years ago, Bird has worked in all aspects of the community newspaper industry—from reporting to sales to delivering a paper route.
Bird has always enjoyed small town living and believes strong communities are built by dedicated volunteers.
An avid volunteer, Bird has been involved with Fall Fair, Girl Guides, Rotary, Literacy Now, Junior Achievement and many other community events and activities in the communities where she has lived.
“I am really looking forward to living in Port Alberni,” said Bird. “It feels a little like coming home and everyone has made me feel welcome.
“The News is truly a community newspaper and has become an integral part of life in the Valley. I am excited to be apart of that.”
Bird and her husband Tim have three grown children, the oldest of whom was born in Port Alberni, and recently became grandparents.
editor@albernivalleynews.com