Daily Record staff writer David Chapman is leaving the newspaper after a decade of reporting on topics ranging from City Hall to legal affairs to real estate.
He has accepted a job as communications director for incoming State Attorney Melissa Nelson. He will begin the job Jan. 3.
Nelson said Chapman has earned a reputation of being fair, honest and consistent during his career as a journalist.
“He will bring these qualities to the office as we focus on being committed to transparency,” she said.
Chapman, 34, graduated from Florida State University in 2004 and the University of North Florida in 2006. He joined Bailey Publishing & Communications Inc. in 2007, as a writer for the monthly Realty-Builder Connection publication. In 2010, he began as a reporter for the Daily Record.
The Jacksonville native has been a mainstay in City Hall for several years, where he has utilized his watchdog reporting skills covering City Council, pension reform and elections.
Daily Record Publisher Jim Bailey said Chapman has been a tremendous asset to the company over the years. “I am confident he will bring the same level of professionalism to the State Attorney’s Office that he has displayed at Bailey Publishing,” Bailey said.
“Although we will miss his skills as a reporter and his personality around the office, I am proud of his accomplishments as well as the opportunity Melissa Nelson has presented him,” the publisher said.
While today is Chapman’s last day at the company, Bailey said, “We are fortunate that David will remain in Jacksonville to advance his career.”