John Dillon has been named publisher of the Argus Observer

Dillon, 46, has served as advertising director of the Argus Observer since 2003 and has a long history in newspaper advertising, marketing and sales.

Dillon previously worked for 16 years in the advertising department at the Idaho Press-Tribune in Nampa-Caldwell. Dillon served as an account executive for nine years, and then moved into management roles, both as assistant advertising director and inside sales director.

Dillon said he is excited about the opportunity to put his experience and skills from the past 22 years to work as publisher at the Argus Observer.

“I am looking forward to this opportunity,” he said. “The staff at the Argus Observer is wonderful, and I am looking forward to the continued support the community has given the newspaper for years.”

A lifelong resident of southwest Idaho, Dillon was born in Caldwell, raised outside of Wilder near the Snake River, graduated from Greenleaf Friends Academy in Greenleaf, and attended Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, Idaho.

Dillon is very active in the Western Treasure Valley: past president — Ontario Kiwanis Club from 2006 — 2008, Ontario Festival of Trees Committee, Western Treasure Valley Chamber of Commerce Committee and is very active in the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

He served on the board of directors for the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce from 1996 until his move to the Argus Observer, working on several chamber committees.

Dillon is a past Caldwell Kiwanis Club member and worked on the Canyon County March of Dimes Walk America campaign.

He has been an active volunteer in many community events.

Dillon replaces Steve Krehl, who retired as publisher from the Argus Observer earlier this month.

“John is a person that encourages employees to strive for excellence,” Argus Observer Editor Pat Caldwell said. “He understands, obviously, the marketing end of this business but he also boasts a fundamental knowledge of the news side. I’m personally very pleased he is the new publisher of this great newspaper, and I look forward to moving into the future with John at the helm.”