Meghan Thomassen, Matthew DeFranks, Marisa Iati and Nicole Michels have been chosen to help oversee The Observer's editorial operations in 2013-2014, incoming Editor-in-Chief Andrew Gastelum announced Sunday.
Thomassen will assume the position of Managing Editor, the No. 2 spot at the paper, while DeFranks, Iati and Michels will serve as Assistant Managing Editors.
A junior majoring in English with minors in Journalism, Ethics and Democracy and Philosophy and Literature, Thomassen will assist Gastelum in managing all departments of The Observer's print and online editions.
A native of Rowley, Mass., Thomassen is a resident of Pasquerilla East Hall, but is currently studying abroad in London. She has served as Viewpoint Editor since March 2011, and has been involved in a variety of projects for The Observer, including the paper's redesign, The Observer Passport blog and a recurring column in the Scene section called "Know Thy Shelf."
"This paper has been a part of my life since my freshman year and I can't wait to get to work," Thomassen said.
DeFranks, a resident of Zahm House, is a junior majoring in Finance with a minor in Journalism, Ethics and Democracy. He serves as Associate Sports Editor and is a native of Miami currently studying abroad in Fremantle, Australia. DeFranks covered Notre Dame football's run to the national championship and created the "Waking the Echoes" series focusing on the legacies of former Notre Dame athletes.
"I am thrilled to get to work and improve The Observer for our students," DeFranks said.
Iati served as an Associate News Editor over the past year. A native of Skillman, N.J. and a resident of Ryan Hall, Iati is a junior pursuing an American Studies major with a minor in Journalism, Ethics and Democracy. She led The Observer Passport blog while studying abroad in Toledo, Spain, in Fall 2012 and has experience covering Notre Dame student government and Relay for Life.
"I'm looking forward to helping The Observer more effectively facilitate conversation about issues important to the Notre Dame and Saint Mary's communities," Iati said.
Michels serves as Assistant News Editor and is a native of Glenview, Ill. A resident of Cavanaugh Hall, Michels is an English and Political Science double major. She has experience covering the 2012 presidential debates and the Notre Dame Forum.
"I'm so excited to help lead the staff at The Observer as we continue to serve the Notre Dame community," Michels said.
Gastelum will begin his duties as Editor-in-Chief on March 4, and the rest of the Editorial Board will assume their roles March 18.
