T. Pat Cavanaugh, publisher of The Covington News, The Rockdale News, and their respective digital products, has announced his retirement from The News Company.

A veteran of 50 years in the newspaper business, Cavanaugh started as a delivery person while in his teens and worked his way up the career ladder. He has served as publisher of multiple publications in various locations, and at one time owned his own newspaper.

He came to The Covington News as general manager in 2008 and subsequently was promoted to publisher. The Rockdale News started publication in 2011 and Cavanaugh has been its only publisher. Cavanaugh also has overseen the expansion of digital efforts and online sites for both publications, as well as the introduction of various new print products.

Cavanaugh helped guide The Covington News through the economic downturn the community saw in 2008 and the pending arrival of Baxter.

“We thank Pat Cavanaugh for all his efforts with both The Covington News and The Rockdale News,” said Morris Multimedia Regional Manager Charles Hill Morris. “We wish him the best of luck, and know he will have success in his future endeavors.”

Cavanaugh has also been extremely involved in the communities of both Newton and Rockdale counties. He has been a member of the Rotary Club of Covington and the Rockdale Rotary Club, served on Covington’s Main Street Board, was Rockdale County’s Chamber of Commerce President for 2014-15, been a board member of the Barksdale Boys and Girls Club and served on the Rockdale County Superintendent’s Advisory Council.

No new publisher has been named for The News. Editor Bryan Fazio will continue to represent the newspaper in the community pending the naming of a publisher.