Floyd Jernigan was introduced Tuesday as publisher of the Rolla Daily News, the Waynesville Daily Guide and the St. James Leader-Journal.
Jernigan, 52, comes to Rolla from the Duncan Banner of Duncan, Okla., a daily newspaper in Stephens County of about 8,000 circulation where he also served as publisher. Duncan is about three hours north of Dallas.
“We’re still learning the area,” said Jernigan, who has been house-hunting in Rolla for about a week. “There are nice people; it’s a good town and a good school system. There are a lot of positives here.”
Jernigan and his wife, Barbara, of 16 years, have three children, two sons — Kyle, 15, and Trey 14, — and a daughter, Amy, 12.
“Our children have been impressed with what they’ve seen and are excited about coming here.  I’m very impressed with what Rolla has to offer,” said Jernigan, a youth soccer coach whose sons are attending a Rolla High School soccer camp.
Jernigan brings to Rolla a wealth of experience, having served as publisher at the East Oregonian, in Pendleton, Ore., and the News-Record in Miami, Okla. The Duncan Banner has been recognized four straight years with “General Excellence” awards.
“It was really nothing I did,” Jernigan said of the recognitions. “I had great people around me, and I look forward to building those kind of relationships here.”
Jernigan, who replaces Joel Goodridge, said the secret for success is people.
“The key for being successful in any business venture is investing in people in the community,” said Jernigan, who met staffers at the RDN, Daily Guide and Leader-Journal on Tuesday.
“We need to maintain and build relationships with our readers and advertisers.
“If we do a good job with that, we’ll do a good job in making connections with the public... It’s important to find a way to say ‘yes’ to people,” he said.
Jernigan, is a Rotarian, a member of Kiwanis and a past member of the Lions Club. He has also served on economic development boards in Oregon and Oklahoma and on various Chamber of Commerce committees.
 He will begin work on Monday, Aug. 4.