LIHU‘E — Randy Kozerski, editor and publisher of Kaua‘i’s only daily newspaper, The Garden Island, announced his resignation Friday. “This was a very difficult decision for me,” he said. “The Garden Island has about 50 employees and each one of
LIHU‘E — Randy Kozerski, editor and publisher of Kaua‘i’s only daily newspaper, The Garden Island, announced his resignation Friday.
“This was a very difficult decision for me,” he said. “The Garden Island has about 50 employees and each one of them is to be commended for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the community. I am honored to have worked with them and it was humbling to lead such a talented team.”
Kozerski is leaving his position of two years to join the staff of Kaua‘i Island Utility Coooperative, the island’s electricity provider, as its controller.
“This position at KIUC allows me to get back to my roots,” said Kozerski, whose background is primarily in accounting. “I’m excited to become part of the KIUC team and do whatever I can to help in the transition to 50 percent renewable energy by 2023. This is both an exciting and challenging time for KIUC and its members, and I look forward to being part of the solution to reduce our dependence on fuel-based energy.”
Former controller Karissa Jonas vacated her position in September following her promotion to financial vice president and chief financial officer, a position David Bissel vacated in March following his promotion to president and chief executive officer.
“My contribution as controller will allow David Bissel and his executive team to attain this goal and continue to focus on fulfilling KIUC’s mission: Namely, providing reliable power safely that is fairly and competitively priced, practicing conservation and efficient use of energy resources, increasing sustainable power supply and environmental stewardship, and improving the quality of life for members and Kaua’i,” he said.
Kozerski will transition to KIUC on Jan. 9.
“I am pleased to have Randy joining our KIUC ‘ohana” Jonas said in an email Friday.
Kozerski started with TGI’s parent company, Lee Enterprises, seven years ago. In 2007, he joined the staff of TGI as controller. Two years later, he was promoted to the position of editor and publisher.
“During his tenure, Randy has done an outstanding job leading The Garden Island newspaper and has been a tremendous asset,” Lee Enterprises group publisher Brian Kroshus said. “His insistence on producing a quality news product each and every day, one that would accurately reflect the thoughts and values of the local community, cannot be understated. He has and continues to share in the common pride that all residents on Kaua‘i have. Without question he will be missed.”
Kroshus said Casey Quel, advertising director for TGI, will take on the duties of interim publisher when Kozerski officially leaves in January.
“I’m confident she will do a terrific job working alongside of and with community members to maintain the strong partnership between them and The Garden Island news organization, just as Randy has done,” he said.
Kozerski added, “The Garden Island has been serving the community since 1902, and they will do so admirably well into the future. We continue to embrace new trends and technologies to best serve our advertisers and readers.
In addition to The Garden Island print products, there is an outstanding website, iPhone application and mobile site to serve reliable, outstanding content in whatever format our readers prefer.”
In the near future, TGI will offer iPad and Droid applications, he said.
