Transport Topics Promotes Editors, Adds Staff Reporter, Digital Editor

Transport Topics Publishing Group announced it has promoted Neil Abt to editorial director and Lorrie Grant to managing editor of the weekly newspaper.

Additionally, TTPG has hired Gary Kicinski as digital media editor and Eugene Mulero as a staff reporter to cover government issues.

“We are pleased to announce the new editorial leadership changes and staff additions that strengthen Transport Topics’ long standing position in the market,” said Jeff Mason, TTPG’s executive vice president of communications. “Transport Topics will continue to grow as a powerful multichannel brand in the trucking industry under their leadership.”

Abt, who was managing editor, will oversee all print and online products. He came to TT as a Web editor in March 2001 from America Online, where he spent nearly four years. He also spent more than two years covering sports for The Washington Post.

“I am honored to be following in a long line of distinguished editorial directors,” Abt said. “I look forward to building upon the established newspaper brand while beginning to build a larger online TT presence.”

Grant, who reports to Abt, manages the reporting and copy editing staff, assigns and edits news stories and manages art and production. She came to the newspaper in 2012.

Before joining TT, Grant worked for National Public Radio in Washington as a line editor, most often for the “Tell Me More” and “Morning Edition” programs.

Grant also was a distinguished business correspondent at USA Today for nine years and worked nine years at the Reuters news agency, where she last served as bureau chief in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“Neil and Lorrie are proven industry veterans who will lead the Transport Topics brand as they continue the long tradition of reporting on and analyzing industry news,” Mason said.

Kicinski most recently worked with Digital First Media in New York City as sports channel manager, producing and redistributing content to more than 70 daily newspapers. Prior to that, Kicinski worked at USA Today for 22 years, overseeing sports digital content from 2000 to 2012.

Kicinski is responsible for crafting the digital strategy that includes TT’s presence on desktops, tablets and other mobile devices, as well as social media integration and e-mail newsletters.

Mulero is responsible for reporting on federal and state policies and regulations and the congressional appropriations process. He most recently covered the 2014 midterm elections for The Huffington Post and before that was the congressional transportation reporter for Greenwire news service.

“We are pleased and fortunate to have Gary and Eugene,” Mason said. “Gary’s background benefits Transport Topics’ future digital goals while Mulero’s knowledge of legislative and regulatory affairs in the transportation sector makes him a natural fit. Transport Topics is delighted to welcome both of them.”

Added Abt: “TT is extremely pleased to bring in this additional talent to enhance our already strong editorial team.”