Bill Eville, writer, mentor and creator of the Vineyard Gazette’s weekly newsletter The Notebook, has been named editor of the Gazette. Mr. Eville’s roots on the Island go back generations. His grandfather Bill Harding often wrote poems for the Gazette, and Bill’s first published piece in the paper was a 2001 eulogy to his grandfather written on the anniversary of his death. He joined the Gazette staff in 2010 as arts and features editor and was appointed managing editor in 2013.

A book of his personal essays, some of which first appeared in the Gazette, will be published in May.

Mr. Eville’s promotion was announced this week by publisher Jane Seagrave, who also announced that Ethan Genter has been named news editor, succeeding Noah Asimow who is joining the Peace Corps. Mr. Genter worked for seven years as a reporter for the Cape Cod Times before moving to Maine in 2020. Most recently, he was a reporter for the Bangor Daily News, covering coastal Hancock County.

“Bill may be best known to Gazette readers for his affecting and finely-crafted essays that touch on life, loss and family, but he is also a skilled editor who has helped develop and guide young reporters for more than a decade,” Ms. Seagrave said.

“He and Ethan take the reins of the newsroom during a time of rapid change on the Island that demands more than ever the kind of community journalism the Gazette is known for: in-depth reporting, excellent writing and photography, reverence for Island history and a strong sense of place,” she added.

Mr. Eville’s roots on the Island go back generations. — Ray Ewing

Mr. Eville holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Princeton University, an MBA from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in creative writing from Florida State University.

He moved to the Island full time in 2008 with his wife, The Rev. Cathlin Baker, minister of the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury. They have two children, Hardy and Eirene (Pickle) and live in West Tisbury.

He has been serving as interim editor of the Gazette since the departure in September of Brian Boyd.

Mr. Genter is a graduate of the State University of New York at New Paltz with a degree in journalism. His experience at the Cape Cod Times included coverage of the Steamship Authority and regular visits to the Vineyard. He makes his home in West Tisbury.

The Gazette editorial staff also includes Steve Durkee, director of graphics and design; Elizabeth Bennett, community editor; Louisa Hufstader, senior reporter; Thomas Humphrey, Brooke Kushwaha and Riis Williams, reporters; Ray Ewing, photographer; Hilary Wallcox, librarian; and Graham Smith, webmaster. Susie Middleton is special projects editor. Mark Alan Lovewell, who retired last year as staff photographer, remains a contributor.