Donald Forst

Late last year, Village Voice editor-in-chief Donald Forst resigned on the eve of the merger with New Times. Now, Voice publisher Judy Miszner steps down. Her farewell memo follows:

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to let you know that today is my last day as Publisher of the Village Voice. I thank all of you for making these the 7 best years of my career. During this period we have faced incredible challenges: 9/11, blackouts, a transit strike, the proliferation of free dailies and the transformation of the internet into a major competitor. Through it all, you have shown unsurpassed loyalty and commitment to the Voice.

I am confident that a successful future lies ahead for you in the new organization and wish you the best of luck. I will miss you.  read more »

Best regards, Judy

Village Voice editor Donald Forst told staff he was leaving the Voice this afternoon. Memos from Forst and Publisher Judy Miszner follow:

I have submitted my resignation today as editor-in-chief to Judy Miszner, effective December 31, 2005. A number of prospects have presented themselves and I think this is an opportune time to explore them.

These nine years have been exciting for me because of what this paper does and what it represents to the city; and that's because of all of you. I am proud of what we have accomplished together.

I thank you for sharing your talent with me and wish you and the Voice good times and great fortune.

Judy Miszner's Memo:

This morning I received, with great sadness, Don Forst's letter of resignation from the Voice.

During my six years as Publisher of the Voice, I have had the great fortune to work with Don, who is an incredible colleague and friend. As Editor-in-Chief, Don has held the Voice to the highest levels of professionalism and journalistic integrity. It is no coincidence that during Don's tenure the Voice has maintained a national reputation of excellence and received numerous awards, including NY Press Club, Deadline Club, Livingston, Mike Berger, Front Page, IRE and a Pulitzer for International Reporting. Don has also hired and developed an outstanding team of writers and editors. And these are just a few of Don's legacies.

I wish Don much happiness and success in his future endeavors. He will be greatly missed.  read more »

Effective immediately, Doug Simmons will oversee the editorial department on an interim basis. Don will remain through December 31 to assist in the transition.