Pam Mox, publisher of the Green Valley News and Sahuarita Sun
Pam Mox, publisher of the Green Valley News and Sahuarita Sun, will retire March 31.
Mox, 64, joined the newspapers in 1990, and became publisher in 2003.
“It has been a pleasure to be a part of this fabulous Green Valley News/Sahuarita Sun team,” Mox said. “These two communities and the residents are incredible, intelligent and caring people and I will treasure the relationships always.”
Under her leadership, the newspapers maintained and solidified their dominance in Green Valley while launching a newspaper and establishing a firm presence in the fast-growing Sahuarita area.
The newspapers are part of the Sierra Vista-based Wick Communications media chain that stretches from Alaska to North Carolina.
Over the years, Mox championed local organizations including the Green Valley Sahuarita Community Food Bank, Valley Assistance Services, the Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce and Honor Flight. Her newsroom has published books about Tubac, the Arizona centennial, and two about World War II veterans, along with special sections on everything from mining to growth, and several magazines each year, including the popular Discover Southern Arizona. Last year, Mox spearheaded the first Champions dinner to recognize those who give back to the community.
“Both the Wick family and Wick newspapers have been the beneficiaries of Pam Mox’s innovations and leadership; she made a partnership of energy and charm that succeeded with the Green Valley News and the community,” said Walt Wick, retired co-chairman of Wick Communications. “Pam may leave the publisher’s office, but her accomplishments, her friendships and the charm of her warm personality will remain with both the company and Green Valley. I will miss her.”
David Lewis, Group Publisher over Green Valley and Sahuarita, said Mox “leaves a proud legacy and will be missed.”
“Among her many accomplishments include an especially adept ability and gift in connecting the newspapers to her communities, readers and advertisers,” he said.
Mox began as part-time vacation help in 1990 and quickly moved into a full-time role selling advertising as she built inroads into the community. When she became publisher, she used the newspapers to support and connect organizations that resulted in a stronger, volunteer-driven community.
She also served as president of the Arizona Newspapers Association, and under her leadership the paper has been recognized on the state and national levels for advertising and news excellence. In 2008, she received the SASIE award (Southern Arizona Smart Inspiring Enterprise), and was honored with the Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award.
“Our staff works incredibly hard at putting out the best newspaper they can,” she said. “Nowhere else can people get the local community news as complete and thorough. There are some big things ahead and the future looks very bright at this newspaper! As for me, I hope to be swinging in a hammock on the beach somewhere for a while.”
A public open house in Mox’s honor will be held at 2 p.m. March 28.
A nationwide search is under way to fill the position, Lewis said.
