Profile

Profile: Ron Sweeney

Ron started his career at The Washington Post in 1966 in the production department, and was in production management for six years. In 1976 he moved to the advertising sales department as an account executive working in Home Furnishings, Chain and Department Stores, Automotive, etc. He is currently the Agency Relations Manager and Advertising Makeup Manager for The Post. Ron serves on the MDDC Advertising Committee and chairs its Programs Subcommittee. He also serves on MDDC’s Professional Development Committees.

PERSONAL:
Born July 24, 1948. Married with 3 grown children and 7 grandchildrean.

Education: Attended Maryland University

How would you describe yourself? "Totally love life. Love to tease and expect to be teased back. Do not take myself too seriously. Never take good health for granted."

PROFESSIONAL:
Favorite part of job: "Working with editorial and production to put the crossword puzzle we call the paper together every day."

Least favorite part of job: "Disappointing advertisers and reps on placement of their ads."

List and briefly describe your mentor: "Scottie Manus, retired classified advertising director, who took a chance on me in 1976 when others would not."

Biggest challenge of job: "Finding the time to be two managers at once and do both well."

Most serious challenge to today’s newsgatherers: "A newspaper is a reflection of its community and the community is moving further and further away from the city. We have to be more flexible and diversified in newsgathering and more community friendly to attract readers."

Main benefit you derive from MDDC membership: "Networking and learning from the diversified newspaper membership."

FUN:
Fantasy job: "Owning a charter boat business in the Caribbean."

Favorite type(s) of music: "Being an oldie, Motown. Also classic rock and some jazz."

Favorite car and the car you drive now: "1968 Roadrunner with 383, 440 heads, full cam, positive traction (my first real car). Now drive Montero Sport SUV."

Last book read: "Keys to the Asylum" by Daniel Bloomfield, M.D.

Last movie seen: "Family Man"

Favorite TV show: "The Sopranos and the History Channel."

Hobbies: "Skiing, softball and tennis."

Last or favorite vacation: "Two weeks in St. Martin."

How you would most like to spend one day: " Snorkeling and spear fishing. Then cooking the catch for lunch in an open pit on the beach with some Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum."

Favorite quotation: "Tomorrow is promised to no one. (Corny, but I am a believer.)"

If you could meet anyone else (any time in history), who would it be? "Marcus Aurelius, philosopher and emperor of Rome (161 to 180 A.D.)"