Meet the New Editor

FROM REPORTER NEWSPAPERS

OPINION Meet the new editor of Atlanta Senior Life

EDITOR'S NOTE

Collin Kelley has been a journalist for more than three decades. He’s also an award-winning poet and novelist.

Hello! Some of you may know me as the editor of Atlanta Intown or perhaps you’ve heard me read from my novels or poetry around town. Starting with the November issue, I’m the new editor of Atlanta Senior Life

My first order of business is to thank my predecessor Joe Earle for his excellent stewardship of the paper for the past three years. Joe is sticking around with his regular “Around Town” feature, starting with a story about a dedicated breadmaker helping fill the gap in Atlanta’s food deserts which is on page 11.

Although I’m not a senior citizen yet, I do have my AARP card. Let me tell you a little more about myself.

I became editor of our sister publication 20 years ago after stints with the Marietta Daily Journal and Neighbor Newspapers, The Sun Newspapers, and the Atlanta JournalConstitution. But becoming editor of Intown was my dream job, and it still is. Along the way, I’ve made lifelong friends, worked with some of the most dedicated journalists in metro Atlanta, and met some incredibly interesting people.

Not long after I arrived, I went to Cindy Wilson’s house to get a tour of The B-52’s archive and watch her rehearse with her own band. Another time, Delta Burke of “Designing Women” fame kept me on the phone for nearly an hour – blowing off several other interviews – to talk about her favorite places in Atlanta.

Before I interviewed performance artist Laurie Anderson, I chatted with her husband Lou Reed. Forever foxy Pam Grier gave me one of the greatest hugs ever. I had the most delightful lunch with singer extraordinaire Candi Staton. I got to interview and share a Krispy Kreme with the legendary Broadway star Patti LuPone. President Jimmy Carter shook my hand and held it after seeing the old presidential campaign button on my jacket lapel.

I’ve also had the great honor to meet and share the stories of countless Atlantans who have also dedicated their time and efforts to our city – from politicians and non-profit leaders to artists and educators. They’ve kept me coming back to my desk for two decades. I am excited to bring my passion for journalism to this paper.

You might notice some changes to our editorial direction starting with this issue. We’ve been listening to readers and you’ll see more coverage of restaurants (including our cover story on Christiane Lauterbach, the grande dame of dining out), arts and entertainment, and home and real estate features.

Like most media outlets, we’ve embraced a “digital first” approach, so be sure to visit AtlantaSeniorLife.com for more news and features in a timely manner. We are also investing a lot in our email newsleter, all of which are free. Rough Draft, has become a morning-must read for subscribers, and the new Silver Streak is a weekly newsletter that will focus on this audience . Be sure to subscribe at the website above or by scanning the QR code on this page.

Our loyal readers and advertisers continue to make this paper possible every month. Please feel free to reach out at collin@ springspublishing.com if you have story ideas, comments, or concerns.

Let’s go!

Collin Kelley with Patti LuPone.

Want home delivery of Atlanta Senior Life? Scan the QR code.