SEATTLE, Wash. —  Today The Seattle Times Publisher Frank Blethen announced Sports Editor Don Shelton will serve as the newspaper’s new Editor. In his new role, Shelton will work to continue the tradition of journalistic excellence at The Times while accelerating in the paper’s transition from a newspaper company to a news media company.

“Don is the perfect person to lead and inspire us through our essential next step in adapting to a rapidly changing, challenging and volatile environment,” Blethen said in a companywide email.

Shelton became Sports Editor for The Seattle Times in 2009, leading the sports team to earn 11 “top 10” awards at the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) contest in St. Petersburg, Fla. earlier this year. The Seattle Times earned its first “Grand Slam,” achieved by winning four top 10 awards in the daily, Sunday and special sections in its circulation category as well as for its website. The digital award was also a first, distinguishing The Times website and mobile app in the competition against the largest sports websites in the country.

“How Don transformed our sports department from 2009 to today is remarkable.” Blethen added. “It’s a model for what we must do throughout the newsroom. “

Shelton has been a journalist for 40 years, 29 of those at The Seattle Times. He is a University of Idaho graduate who previously worked at the Yakima Herald-Republic, Bellevue Journal-American and Santa Rosa Press-Democrat.

“I’m truly excited and honored to take on this new challenge,” Shelton said. “We will continue The Seattle Times’ tradition of great journalism with one of the finest collection of journalists in the country while evolving and moving forward with vision, integrity and purpose.

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