Ampezzan named High Profile editor

— Bobby Ampezzan has been named the next editor of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s Sunday High Profile section.

Ampezzan, 36, currently a features writer, will succeed Rachel O’Neal Chaney, who will join the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation as director of communications. Her last day is Nov. 30; Ampezzan starts his new job Dec. 3.

“We had an outstanding list of candidates with impressive credentials who would have been excellent fits for High Profile,” said David Bailey, managing editor of the Democrat-Gazette. “But in every discussion, at every stage of the selection process, we found ourselves talking about Bobby’s many qualities.”

“I’m honored to be in this role,” said Ampezzan, who joined the Democrat-Gazette’s Northwest Arkansas operation in April 2008. “High Profile isn’t just a peek into galas and events, it’s a chronicling of people with big ambitions for the city and state and its giving community. That community deserves a level of coverage commensurate with its impact.”

Phyllis Brandon was the first editor and creator of the section, which debuted Jan. 5, 1986.

Chaney, the section’s second editor, assumed the post in 2009.

“I loved being the editor of High Profile,” Chaney said. “I am passionate about joining Arkansas Children’s Hospital because of the experiences I had there with my son, Cal. I couldn’t think of a better person to turn High Profile over to. Bobby is so creative and personable and I know he’ll do a great job.”

Ampezzan said Chaney “took the High Profile template and made it even broad- er, bringing a magazine editor’s perspective to the profiles. She had every bit of the class the job demanded.”

Ampezzan has covered events for High Profile in the state and Northwest Arkansas editions. He transferred to the Little Rock office in November 2009.

A native of Taylor, Mich., a Detroit suburb, Ampezzan holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Arkansas, Pages 9 on 11/21/2012

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