Zach Giroux promoted to editor; Boots Gifford retires

Transition is everywhere. And this is no truer than at The Daniel Island News.

 

Boots Gifford transitioned into the editor’s role just prior to the COVID lockdown in March of 2020 and effectively led the newsroom through the pandemic. Part of that leadership involved hiring Zach Giroux as a general assignment reporter and copy editor. 

 

And now that transition continues. Congratulations to Boots as she retires after more than 20 years in journalism. Congratulations to Zach as he takes the reins as editor.

 

Zach brings enthusiasm, energy, solid reporting, and high standards to the paper. He is well-known in the area. Previous to joining The Daniel Island News, he worked several years as a writer and copy editor at The Moultrie News, and as a freelance editor and writer at The Island Eye News and The Island Connection. He also has experience as a sports writer and editor.

 

For the past year, Zach covered news and features for The Daniel Island News and, more recently, began taking on additional editorial duties.

 

“The responsibility is a pleasure not a pressure and the highest honor thus far in my journalism career,” Zach said. “My duty is to provide the utmost unbiased, factual and transparent news information to our readers.”

 

Zach, who hails from a small northeastern town in Vermont, earned a degree in English from the University of Vermont and previously studied political science at Clemson University and Coastal Carolina University. 

 

Over the last several months, Boots worked to transition the editor’s role to Zach. She will continue to work part-time as a copy editor for the paper, but plans to travel, explore, and spend more time with family.

 

“I have no doubt he’ll make a fine editor,” Boots said. “He has the passion for community journalism and the talents to back it up.”

 

Zach recognizes the importance of local coverage, “During my first year at the newspaper, I quickly learned that our readership most relishes reading all things about its residents. Above all, the people drive this community-centric paper.”

 

“Our readers can make my role more rewarding by sending feedback and constructive criticism,” Zach urged. “I have thick skin but try to be nice.”

 

The paper and the community are fortunate to have such a skilled and committed editorial, sales, design and office staff. The Daniel Island News staff works together to bring important news and stories to you each week, both in print and online, and values the relationship and the responsibility the paper has with and to the community. 

 

Welcome to Zach’s first edition!