Currently wrapping up his Master’s in Environmental Sustainability at The University of Western Ontario, Jason Winders will take over the role of Associate Director (Editorial Services) in the Department of Communications and Public Affairs, beginning July 26.
Prior to coming to London, where he works at the Richard Ivey School of Business as a Communications Specialist, Winders served as executive editor of the Athens Banner-Herald in Athens, Ga., from 2003 to 2009.
As the youngest executive editor in the Morris Communications chain, he oversaw editorial content of the Banner-Herald, Athens Magazine and onlineathens.com.
Winders is looking forward to his new role at Western, in which he will oversee such publications as Western News, Alumni Gazette, Young Alumni Magazine, as well as the university’s Daily News Service.
“This is what I love doing. For me, it doesn’t get any better than telling a community’s stories with colleagues who share the same passion,” says Winders, who earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Eastern Illinois University. “I count myself among the fortunate to be joining this wonderful team.”
Under his leadership, the Banner-Herald won Georgia Press Association general excellence awards three consecutive years, as well as Story of the Year awards four times. Personally, Winders has been honoured numerous times for column writing and design.
In addition to the Banner-Herald, Winders worked as an editor for the Roanoke Rapids (N.C.) Daily Herald and as a reporter for the Gadsden (Ala.) Times, the Joliet (Ill.) Herald News, Sullivan (Ill.) News Progress and Mattoon (Ill.) Journal-Gazette.
Winders adds he looks forward to being part of the Western and greater London community. He and his wife, Amy (Miles) Winders of London, are expecting their first child in August.
“The Western community has been so good to me and my family in the short time we’ve been here – first as a student, then as a staffer,” Winders says. “I am excited to start giving back and contributing what I can.”