My Dad… I’m proud of him! (Now I have a new place to publish my Ron Silliman editorials… ONLY KIDDING.)

John Stefans, a former reporter for The News-Review, is returning to the newspaper as its editor, succeeding Denise Civiletti.

Ms. Civiletti said she is stepping down as editor in order to devote full time to her duties as co-publisher of Times/Review Newspapers, publishers of The News-Review and three other community papers, The Suffolk Times, The North Shore Sun and The Shelter Island Reporter.

Before joining The News-Review as a reporter, Mr. Stefans was editor of the Traveler-Watchman of Southold. He moved to South Jamesport full-time six years ago after retiring from Chase Manhattan Bank, where he was senior vice president and director of corporate communications. He attended Fordham University and served on active duty for three years as a U.S. Army correspondent. After leaving The News-Review, Mr. Stefans worked as an assistant to Riverhead Town Supervisor Phil Cardinale from July 2004 to May 2005.

“John’s leadership abilities, reporter’s instincts and accessible writing style make him a perfect choice for us,” Ms. Civiletti said. “John has a passion for the Town of Riverhead and its people. He takes great pride in his community, and that’s important to us.”

Mr. Stefans and his wife, Karin, now live in Riverhead. They have five children.