14 Influential Publishing Leaders in Jacksonville

Last updated: August 2026

Jacksonville's publishing scene includes business newsrooms, regional magazines, independent literary presses, student journals and specialist titles. The people below are shaping what readers in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida can find, discuss and carry forward.

As of August 2026, the strongest local publishing stories are not confined to one format. They include the succession of a business newspaper editor, the long stewardship of a city magazine, a literary press choosing a slower catalogue, and editorial teams giving new writers a place to begin. Together, these leaders show how publishing can be commercial, civic, literary, educational and deeply local at the same time.

The names are presented alphabetically by first name for easy navigation. Some work inside established publications. Others run small presses or student led journals. A few connect periodicals with books, urban history or community writing. That range is useful because the sector itself is wider than a single job title.

This is a practical starting point for authors, editors, media partners, students and organisations looking for the people and publications shaping Jacksonville's written culture.

Why book and periodical publishing matters in Jacksonville

Book and periodical publishing matters in Jacksonville because it gives a fast changing city a memory, a conversation and a public record. A business journal can explain the forces changing the region. A local magazine can make neighbourhoods, food, design and culture visible. A literary press can help a new writer turn a manuscript into a physical book. A student journal can give a young editor a real place to practise judgement.

The leaders in this guide work across those different forms. Their contribution is not only the finished issue or title. It is also the choice of what deserves attention, the standards applied to a story, the way a publication makes room for new voices and the commercial decisions that keep a small editorial operation alive. That is why Jacksonville's publishing leaders are worth following as practitioners, not just as names attached to mastheads.

1. Angela Campbell

Publisher, Jacksonville Daily Record

Angela Campbell is the publisher of Jacksonville Daily Record. That puts Angela close to the decisions that shape what the publication makes, commissions or supports in Jacksonville or Northeast Florida book, magazine, literary or local journalism publishing. The role is a useful fit for this guide because it sits at the point where editorial judgement and local relevance meet.

The Daily Record identifies Campbell as publisher in its 2026 editorial succession announcement, where she describes the paper's continued growth under new newsroom leadership. The practical lesson is that strong publishing leadership is often visible in the choices made around audience, format and continuity, not only in the byline on a finished piece.

2. Ric Anderson

Editor, Jacksonville Daily Record

Ric Anderson is the editor of Jacksonville Daily Record. That puts Ric close to the decisions that shape what the publication makes, commissions or supports in Jacksonville or Northeast Florida book, magazine, literary or local journalism publishing. The role is a useful fit for this guide because it sits at the point where editorial judgement and local relevance meet.

Anderson joined the Daily Record in November 2023, moved to associate editor in 2024, then managing editor in 2025 before taking the editor role in 2026. The paper also records more than 40 years of reporting, editing and management experience. The practical lesson is that strong publishing leadership is often visible in the choices made around audience, format and continuity, not only in the byline on a finished piece.

3. James Cannon

Editor in Chief, Jacksonville Business Journal

James Cannon is the editor in chief of Jacksonville Business Journal. That puts James close to the decisions that shape what the publication makes, commissions or supports in Jacksonville or Northeast Florida book, magazine, literary or local journalism publishing. The role is a useful fit for this guide because it sits at the point where editorial judgement and local relevance meet.

The publication's staff page traces Cannon's path through the San Antonio Express-News, the Midland Reporter-Telegram and the Florida Times-Union before his Jacksonville Business Journal role. The practical lesson is that strong publishing leadership is often visible in the choices made around audience, format and continuity, not only in the byline on a finished piece.

4. Drew Schrimsher

Market President and Publisher, Jacksonville Business Journal

Drew Schrimsher is the market president and publisher of Jacksonville Business Journal. That puts Drew close to the decisions that shape what the publication makes, commissions or supports in Jacksonville or Northeast Florida book, magazine, literary or local journalism publishing. The role is a useful fit for this guide because it sits at the point where editorial judgement and local relevance meet.

Schrimsher sits on the market leadership side of the Jacksonville Business Journal, linking the publication's commercial direction with its local business news presence. The practical lesson is that strong publishing leadership is often visible in the choices made around audience, format and continuity, not only in the byline on a finished piece.

5. Joseph White

Publisher, Jacksonville Magazine

Joseph White is the publisher of Jacksonville Magazine. That puts Joseph close to the decisions that shape what the publication makes, commissions or supports in Jacksonville or Northeast Florida book, magazine, literary or local journalism publishing. The role is a useful fit for this guide because it sits at the point where editorial judgement and local relevance meet.

Jacksonville Magazine says White has owned its publication group since 2008 and has watched its magazines, events and online products grow with Northeast Florida. The practical lesson is that strong publishing leadership is often visible in the choices made around audience, format and continuity, not only in the byline on a finished piece.

6. Nathan Woods

Editor, The Coastal

Nathan Woods is the editor of The Coastal. That puts Nathan close to the decisions that shape what the publication makes, commissions or supports in Jacksonville or Northeast Florida book, magazine, literary or local journalism publishing. The role is a useful fit for this guide because it sits at the point where editorial judgement and local relevance meet.

Woods launched The Coastal in late 2015 to give a new generation of Jacksonville residents a voice. The magazine says his team focuses on development, preservation, adaptive reuse and local culture. The practical lesson is that strong publishing leadership is often visible in the choices made around audience, format and continuity, not only in the byline on a finished piece.

7. Caleb Sarvis

Owner and operator, Bridge Eight Press

Caleb Sarvis is the owner and operator of Bridge Eight Press. That puts Caleb close to the decisions that shape what the publication makes, commissions or supports in Jacksonville or Northeast Florida book, magazine, literary or local journalism publishing. The role is a useful fit for this guide because it sits at the point where editorial judgement and local relevance meet.

Sarvis has steered Bridge Eight from a literary magazine into a small press with a catalogue of full-length fiction. Its current plan focuses on full-length titles and a slower publishing rhythm beginning in 2027. The practical lesson is that strong publishing leadership is often visible in the choices made around audience, format and continuity, not only in the byline on a finished piece.

8. Bill Delaney

Co-owner, writer and editor, The Jaxson, Modern Cities and Edible Northeast Florida

Bill Delaney is the co-owner, writer and editor of The Jaxson, Modern Cities and Edible Northeast Florida. That puts Bill close to the decisions that shape what the publication makes, commissions or supports in Jacksonville or Northeast Florida book, magazine, literary or local journalism publishing. The role is a useful fit for this guide because it sits at the point where editorial judgement and local relevance meet.

Delaney combines periodical work with book authorship. The Jaxson profile also identifies him as the author of Secret Jacksonville and notes his English degrees from the University of North Florida. The practical lesson is that strong publishing leadership is often visible in the choices made around audience, format and continuity, not only in the byline on a finished piece.

9. Sean Orr

Publisher and Chief Executive Officer, Florida Doctor Magazine

Sean Orr is the publisher and chief executive officer of Florida Doctor Magazine. That puts Sean close to the decisions that shape what the publication makes, commissions or supports in Jacksonville or Northeast Florida book, magazine, literary or local journalism publishing. The role is a useful fit for this guide because it sits at the point where editorial judgement and local relevance meet.

Orr brings physician experience and business leadership to the publication. The magazine profile describes more than a quarter century in clinical work and leadership across the healthcare enterprise. The practical lesson is that strong publishing leadership is often visible in the choices made around audience, format and continuity, not only in the byline on a finished piece.

10. Gene Fedele

Partner and Editor in Chief, Florida Doctor Magazine

Gene Fedele is the partner and editor in chief of Florida Doctor Magazine. That puts Gene close to the decisions that shape what the publication makes, commissions or supports in Jacksonville or Northeast Florida book, magazine, literary or local journalism publishing. The role is a useful fit for this guide because it sits at the point where editorial judgement and local relevance meet.

Fedele brings a long print and digital publishing career to the role. The publication says he has created more than 100 magazines and digital publications and received more than 200 awards across magazine publishing, design and marketing. The practical lesson is that strong publishing leadership is often visible in the choices made around audience, format and continuity, not only in the byline on a finished piece.

11. Jennifer Wolfe

Publisher, Hestia Press and Women Writing for a Change Jacksonville

Jennifer Wolfe is the publisher of Hestia Press and Women Writing for a Change Jacksonville. That puts Jennifer close to the decisions that shape what the publication makes, commissions or supports in Jacksonville or Northeast Florida book, magazine, literary or local journalism publishing. The role is a useful fit for this guide because it sits at the point where editorial judgement and local relevance meet.

Wolfe is listed as publisher of Hestia Press, the publishing arm behind the anthology (a) river rising. The project connects book production with writing circles and community practice. The practical lesson is that strong publishing leadership is often visible in the choices made around audience, format and continuity, not only in the byline on a finished piece.

12. Jeneva Hayes

Editor in Chief, Élan

Jeneva Hayes is the editor in chief of Élan. That puts Jeneva close to the decisions that shape what the publication makes, commissions or supports in Jacksonville or Northeast Florida book, magazine, literary or local journalism publishing. The role is a useful fit for this guide because it sits at the point where editorial judgement and local relevance meet.

Hayes leads the current editorial staff of Élan, a student literary magazine that publishes three times a year and has earned the REALM contest's highest honour for three consecutive years. The practical lesson is that strong publishing leadership is often visible in the choices made around audience, format and continuity, not only in the byline on a finished piece.

13. Jojo Crane

Editor in Chief, The Aquarian, Jacksonville University

Jojo Crane is the editor in chief of The Aquarian, Jacksonville University. That puts Jojo close to the decisions that shape what the publication makes, commissions or supports in Jacksonville or Northeast Florida book, magazine, literary or local journalism publishing. The role is a useful fit for this guide because it sits at the point where editorial judgement and local relevance meet.

Crane leads the head staff of The Aquarian, Jacksonville University's literary and visual arts magazine. The publication keeps a catalogue of earlier issues and invites students to contribute editorial and creative input. The practical lesson is that strong publishing leadership is often visible in the choices made around audience, format and continuity, not only in the byline on a finished piece.

14. Kelsi Hasden

Writer and editor, The Jaxson and Modern Cities

Kelsi Hasden is the writer and editor of The Jaxson and Modern Cities. That puts Kelsi close to the decisions that shape what the publication makes, commissions or supports in Jacksonville or Northeast Florida book, magazine, literary or local journalism publishing. The role is a useful fit for this guide because it sits at the point where editorial judgement and local relevance meet.

Hasden brings current editorial work to Jacksonville's urban and cultural publishing ecosystem while also teaching composition at the University of North Florida and Florida State College at Jacksonville. The practical lesson is that strong publishing leadership is often visible in the choices made around audience, format and continuity, not only in the byline on a finished piece.

What these leaders show us about Jacksonville publishing

Across this group, publishing leadership looks less like one ladder and more like a network. Some leaders are responsible for a whole publication or press. Others hold the editorial centre of a specialist magazine, student journal or urban culture project. The common thread is stewardship: deciding what belongs in the public conversation and building the systems that let good work reach readers.

There is also a useful mix of scale. Established titles bring reach, routines and recognisable beats. Independent presses bring experimentation and a closer relationship between author, editor and object. Student publications create a pipeline of editorial talent. Local projects such as The Coastal and The Jaxson show how place based publishing can combine reporting, history, analysis and community identity.

For anyone studying the sector, this suggests that influence is not only audience size. It can also be the ability to keep a publication alive, make a new format useful, give a writer a first platform or make a city easier to understand.

How to use this list

Use this list as a map, not as a verdict. If you are an author, begin with the publication or press that best matches your subject and format, then read its submission or contact guidance before writing. If you are a student, pay attention to the editorial roles and publication rhythms that make each outlet distinctive.

If you work in communications, study how these leaders frame a local audience. A business publication may need concise analysis. A literary journal may need patience and openness to experimentation. A city magazine may need a strong sense of place. The best way to learn is to compare several issues or books rather than relying on a single article.

If you are building a publishing project, look closely at the operating model. The people here work across ownership, editorial direction, audience development, design, business development and community writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of publishing leaders are included in Jacksonville?

The guide includes publishers, editors, press owners, editorial contributors and market leaders working across books, magazines, business news, literary journals and local culture publications in Jacksonville.

Where can a Jacksonville author look for a local publishing fit?

Start with the format. Literary fiction may suit a press or literary journal, while local business, culture or development writing may suit a regional periodical. Read each publication's current submission or contact information before preparing a pitch.

Why include student literary magazines?

Student magazines are real publishing environments. They give emerging editors and writers experience with selection, design, production and audience, while giving the wider city a view of new voices and developing editorial judgement.

What makes a local publication valuable?

A local publication becomes valuable when it helps readers understand a place, not simply when it repeats national coverage. Strong local publishing connects reporting, memory, culture, business and community life in a way that readers can recognise and use.

How should someone follow the people in this guide?

Follow the publications first. Read current issues, subscribe where appropriate and use each organisation's own contact or submission path. That gives you a better sense of the work than relying on a person's title alone.

Conclusion

Jacksonville's publishing leaders work across more formats than a simple list of publishers would suggest. They run newsrooms, hold editorial standards, build literary catalogues, develop specialist magazines, edit student journals and connect local writing with wider audiences.

The useful question is not who is the single most important person. It is which publishing model helps your work, your organisation or your reading life move forward. Start with one publication from this guide, read a recent issue or title, and take one small next step from there.

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Topic matched support

If your publishing, media or editorial team is growing, the leadership questions can become just as important as the content questions. A written keynote, workshop or facilitated leadership session can help your people make those choices with more clarity.

To discuss a practical leadership session for your organisation, email jonno@consultclarity.org.

About the Author

Jonno White is a Brisbane-based leadership consultant, keynote speaker and Certified Working Genius Facilitator, and the author of Step Up or Step Out. He works with schools, corporates and nonprofits around the world. To enquire about a keynote, workshop or facilitated leadership session, email jonno@consultclarity.org.