Leadership is changing in the Jacksonville Daily Record newsroom.
Editor Monty Zickuhr is retiring effective Feb. 27, and Managing Editor Ric Anderson will succeed him in the top position in the Daily Record’s editorial department.
Karen Brune Mathis, who preceded Zickuhr as editor, will continue in her role as editor at large, covering commercial real estate and economic development.
“Like the transition from Karen to Monty, the succession to Ric will ensure that the Daily Record will move forward seamlessly in providing the most thorough, accurate and timely news coverage of the business community in Northeast Florida,” said Angie Campbell, publisher of the Daily Record.
“We are grateful to Monty and Karen for playing an integral role in helping establish the Daily Record as the premier publication in our sector, and we look forward to seeing how much we’ll continue to grow under Ric’s leadership.”
Matt Walsh, CEO of Daily Record parent company Observer Media Group, said Zickuhr had been “instrumental with Karen Mathis in transforming the Daily Record’s editorial content and design into Jacksonville and North Florida’s leading local business and government news publisher.”
“He is the consummate editor and journalist, always keeping in mind how best to serve our readers and to do so with creativity; high standards for himself and our staff; and with uncompromising journalistic integrity,” Walsh said.
“Fortunately, Monty will remain involved in the Daily Record in a limited, as-needed capacity as a fill-in editor, coach, consultant and historical resource.”
Zickuhr retires after nine years with the Daily Record and nearly 27 years as a journalist in Northeast Florida. He joined the Daily Record in 2017 as managing editor after working as a designer and copy editor at The Florida Times-Union since 1999.
Zickuhr was named editor at the Daily Record in April 2024, succeeding Mathis, who joined the newspaper in 2010.
“I am proud to have been a part of how the Daily Record has grown over the past decade and I feel honored and grateful to have worked with so many great journalists and co-workers here,” Zickuhr said.
“Quality journalism is more important than ever, and I am retiring confident that Ric, Karen and the rest of the Daily Record team will keep providing that for our community.”
Mathis will continue representing the Daily Record in the community through presentations, panel discussions, events and memberships.
“We were fortunate and wise to have hired Monty in 2017 to lead the redesign and strategy of the Jacksonville Daily Record as we joined Observer Media Group. Monty’s exceptional talent, strong editing skills and award-winning designs are the reasons we are as successful as we are today,” Mathis said.
“As the editor, he has been a steady and stable leader of a loyal staff that relies on his guidance,” she said.
Anderson joined the Daily Record in November 2023 as a staff writer covering government. He was promoted to associate editor in June 2024 and then managing editor in June 2025.
Throughout, he continued to report on public affairs and other topics, and will continue to do so as editor.
“I’m proud to follow Karen and Monty as editor of the Daily Record, and I’m grateful that my duties were structured so that I could continue covering news at City Hall and elsewhere,” said Anderson, who came to Jacksonville with more than 40 years of experience as a reporter, editor, manager and executive, most recently in Las Vegas.
“I’ll be very visible, whether it’s reporting in the field, representing the Daily Record on panels and at community events, or meeting with local newsmakers. And I couldn’t be happier to still be working alongside Karen, who is unquestionably the best in the business in our market.”
Walsh said that with Anderson’s work as a government reporter in Duval County and experience elsewhere, “Ric is ready to keep the Daily Record on track to be the indispensable news source in Greater Jacksonville.”
Mathis said Anderson will lead the Daily Record to continued success.
“Ric’s experience combined with his drive, skills and competitive edge will be great for the Daily Record, our talented team and our integrity in the community,” she said.