Paper names pair managing editors

The Southeast Missourian has promoted Matt Sanders and Chris Harris to managing editor positions as part of a restructuring plan aimed at improving the quality of the newspaper.

Harris, formerly the features editor, is the managing editor of newsroom operations and features, overseeing most "front-end" news activities such as making story assignments and directing non-breaking news coverage. She will also make first edits to local copy. She'll continue many of her previous duties, including planning and editing the SE Live entertainment section.

Sanders, formerly online product manager, takes the title of managing editor of breaking news and news production. He will continue to oversee the newspaper's website, semissourian.com. His new duties include directing breaking news and election coverage, both of which are essential to the continued success of semissourian.com.

"These moves are exciting most of all because it will make our paper better, and I believe our readers will see positive results," editor Bob Miller said. "Both Matt and Chris have shown dramatic professional development over the past few years, and they both care deeply about the quality of our paper. They will plug some organizational gaps and will continue to look at better ways of meeting readers' expectations."

Miller, who has been working in dual roles as the executive and managing editor, will work more closely with reporters on reporting projects and writing development.

Heather Collier will manage the content for the Good Times section in Sunday's paper.