Gatling leaving as NWA Business Journal editor

Paul Gatling, a more than 22-year veteran in the journalism industry, is stepping down as editor of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal after being hired to support regional advancement efforts for the University of Central Arkansas.

Gatling first joined the NWABJ in February 2011 as an assistant editor and was promoted to editor in May 2013. He has been instrumental in the Journal’s strong reputation in the region, including his leadership role in managing the Journal’s Forty Under 40 program, Women in Business, and several other popular recognition programs.

“My tenure at the Northwest Arkansas Business has been a career highlight. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that Darin Gray, who hired me, and our current leadership team of Roby Brock, Michael Tilley and Rob Gutterridge have provided me,” Gatling said. “It has been a pleasure working alongside such a terrific team of dedicated professionals. Thank you for your camaraderie, support and shared passion for journalism. I am also grateful to mentors, colleagues, sources and everyone whose stories I’ve had the privilege to tell through such a dynamic period in the region’s history. I always ask people, ‘What better place to cover business news than Northwest Arkansas?’ The extraordinary experiences and invaluable relationships will stay with me forever. I’m closing this chapter of my career with a mix of gratitude, nostalgia and excitement for the future. The memories are countless, and while I move on, I am deeply thankful for the Business Journal’s trust in me and for the loyalty of our readers and partners. I remain passionate about Northwest Arkansas and committed to its continued success.”

Gatling’s last day with the Journal is June 28, and he is set to begin his job as senior director of Northwest Arkansas Engagement for UCA soon after. He will remain in Northwest Arkansas, living in Bentonville.

“I’m immensely grateful for all of the dedication and fantastic reporting that Paul has produced for the Business Journal all of these years. He is a consummate professional, and I know he will do well in this next chapter of his life,” said Roby Brock, CEO of Natural State Media, the parent company of the Journal and Talk Business & Politics. “I will miss my day-to-day interactions with him on the business front, but as a friend, I’m excited for Paul and his new challenge. He has lifted the Journal to new standards, and our outstanding team will continue to meet those goals and build on them for our readers and advertisers.”

Brock, along with Natural State Media President Michael Tilley and NWABJ Publisher Rob Gutteridge, will coordinate with Journal staff and freelancers to continue the reporting and other work necessary to produce the journal every two weeks and to also report daily on breaking business news in Northwest Arkansas.

“While it’s never easy replacing someone with Paul’s work ethic and skills, we’re fortunate to have others at the Journal who are also dedicated to producing a publication that is attractive, accurate, informative, and a responsible news source for one of the most dynamic metro areas in the country,” Tilley said.

Brock and Tilley said they will in the next few months work on reviewing the best long-term editorial leadership options for the Journal.