Thomas named executive editor of SC Biz News

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Louisville, Ky., native Jason Thomas has been named executive editor of SC Biz News, a statewide business news organization that includes a magazine, newspapers, websites, digital newsletters, special publications and events.

In his new role, Thomas will lead the editorial efforts of SCBIZ Magazine, GSA Business Report, Charleston Regional Business Journal and Columbia Regional Business Report. He also oversees the editorial efforts of South Carolina Lawyers Weekly, North Carolina Lawyers Weekly and Charlotte-based Mecklenburg Times, a real estate publication.

Thomas started learning his way around the organization last week from the Greenville office of GSA Business Report, which will be his home base.

“From startups to ownership to the C-suite, SC Biz News has been the trusted source in giving a voice to South Carolina’s diverse and growing business ecosystem — addressing challenges as well as opportunities,” Thomas said. “It’s a tradition that will continue under my watch. I look forward to putting down roots here and having a front-row seat to documenting South Carolina’s dynamic economy.”

Rick Jenkins, group publisher of SC Biz News, welcomed Thomas to the organization.

“Jason comes to us with plenty of journalism experience from working at a variety of traditional newspapers in the Midwest,” Jenkins said. “He joins us directly from Louisville where he managed a large newsroom at a progressive daily business journal serving an metropolitan area of about 1.3 million people.”

Thomas most recently was managing editor of Louisville Business First, in Louisville, Ky. His journalism career spans nearly 25 years, which includes stints at the News and Tribune/Southern Indiana Business Magazine in Jeffersonville, Ind., and the Indianapolis Star.

“I’m humbled to join the award-winning team at SC Biz News,” Thomas said. “I take seriously the charge of upholding SC Biz News’ standard of being the go-to source for South Carolina business leaders to grow their operations and streamline their lives through exclusive content and inclusive events. Like any business, SC Biz News has room to grow, so you can expect to see an expanded presence digitally and on social media, as we look to enhance delivery of content across multiple platforms to business leaders across The Palmetto State, while continuing to offer our full slate of print products.”

Jenkins said Thomas’ experience in digital content will add a deeper dimension to SC Biz News content.

“More and more readers prefer to consume content digitally and Jason has an uncommon commitment to digital journalism,” Jenkins said. “Our readers will see changes in the way we deliver news. And options for the types of business news they consume will increase.”

In addition to print and digital news, SC Biz News also produces SCBIZtv, a statewide YouTube site with more than 200 archived business videos. The organization also produces the S.C. Manufacturing Conference and Expo, the largest manufacturing event in the state.

Thomas said he chose to live in the Upstate for his family — fiancée Dani and children Sebastian, 6, and 2-year-old Simon — because it fits his lifestyle: “Outside of work I enjoy family time, mountain-biking, golfing, reading and exploring parks and urban spaces on my bike — ending my ride at a local brewery, of course.”

Thomas can be reached at jthomas@scbiznewscom.