Profile

Profile: Karen Acton

Karen is publisher for the Southern Maryland Division of Gazette Newspapers, which was recently purchased from Chesapeake Publishing. As publisher, she is in charge of operations for seven weekly newspapers. Karen began her career with Chesapeake Publishing 18 years ago as an assistant controller and was promoted to controller and then group manager. She has lived in Charles County since 1982 and serves on the Board of Governors for the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center. Karen is a member of the MDDC Board of Directors.

PERSONAL:
Born Feb. 7, 1960; married to Mike Acton; one son, Brian, who will be 13 in April.

Education: Master’s degree in finance and bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of Maryland University College, and an associate’s degree in accounting from Prince George’s Community College.

How would you describe yourself: "I think I am a calm, fair and level-headed person. I expect a lot out of myself and set high standards for achievement."

PROFESSIONAL:
Favorite part of job: "Providing good news coverage of the events that are important to our communities."

Least favorite part of job: "Trying to meet the budgeted goals for advertising revenue when the economy goes soft."

Biggest challenge of job: "We were just purchased by the Gazette newspapers so the biggest challenge right now is to change our systems to be compatible with their systems and not let the transition affect our performance."

Most serious challenge to news gatherers today: "To report the news without unnecessarily invading the privacy of individuals."

Main benefit you derive from MDDC membership: "The sharing of common issues and discussing them with other people in the newspaper business. Also, the commitment to preserving the freedom of the press."

FUN:
Fantasy job: "My fantasy job would be teaching children."

Favorite type(s) of music: "Country and light rock."

Favorite car and the car you drive now: "My favorite car was my 1985 Ford Thunderbird. I now drive a Nissan Sentra."

Last book read: "Hannibal" by Thomas Harris

Last movie you seen: "Enemy at the Gates"

Favorite TV show: "Sopranos"

Hobbies: "Reading and spending time with my son and husband."

Last or favorite vacation: "Disney World."

How would you most like to spend one day: "Sitting in my armchair reading a book with no phone calls all day."

Favorite quotation: "Anything worth doing is worth doing well."