The St. Louis Jewish Light is pleased to announce that Ellen Futterman will become its Editor commencing in January.

“We are exceptionally pleased with Ellen joining the Jewish Light,” said Publisher/CEO Larry Levin. “She brings tremendous experience, powerful skills and a stellar reputation to the leadership of our news department. We could not have asked for a better candidate.”

Futterman joins the Jewish Light following an extensive search that attracted resumes from across the country. “Quite frankly, the best candidate was in our own backyard,” said Milton Movitz, President of the Jewish Light Board of Trustees. “When you are able to blend someone of Ellen’s journalistic background with a strong working knowledge of the general and Jewish communities of St. Louis, the combination is unbeatable.”

Futterman served 25 years as a reporter, editor and critic for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Most recently she served as Vice President of Twist, LLC, a prominent media and integrated marketing firm based in St. Louis. Futterman worked for the Post-Dispatch from 1982 to 2007. From 2001 to 2007, she served as Daily Features (Everyday) Editor, and prior to that served as Critic-at-Large, Arts and Entertainment Editor, and as a feature and general assignment reporter. She has written for a variety of other publications, and continues to serve as a correspondent for the New York Times.

“(Ellen)’s extremely energetic, always innovative, never looking backward, trying to adjust to the changing dynamics of journalism,” said Cliff Froehlich, Executive Director of Cinema St. Louis. Froehlich previously served as the Arts and Entertainment Editor of the Post-Dispatch and worked alongside Futterman.

“She was always looking toward different ways of approaching stories,” said Froehlich. “Everybody liked Ellen, and she was a good manager, demanding but not difficult.

“People respected her abilities as both an editor and a writer.”

Futterman has also taught journalism and media at Washington University and Webster University, and has served in volunteer leadership capacities for a number of local nonprofits.

Futterman holds a bachelor’s degree from Washington University and attended the University of Michigan for graduate studies in communications. Her husband Jeff Burkett and their family attend Central Reform Congregation.

In related news, the Jewish Light is also pleased to announce that Interim Editor Mike Sherwin has been promoted to Managing Editor and will commence his new duties when Futterman joins the organization.

Sherwin becomes Managing Editor of the Jewish Light after two years with the organization. He has previously served as Assistant Editor of the publication, and also served as Interim Editor during this search.

Sherwin’s journalistic talents are broad and multifaceted. He has written numerous stories, designed pages for both the newsprint and web editions of the Jewish Light, and has lent his strong photographic skills to the publication.

He also has provided major editorial oversight to the content of several special publications, including last year’s award-winning Building Bridges section.

“In promoting Mike, we recognize the invaluable work he has done on behalf of the Jewish Light, and the level of respect he has earned in covering the St. Louis Jewish community,” said Levin. “Wherever you go, whoever you talk to within the community, there is high praise for Mike’s professionalism, approach and demeanor.”

A St. Louis native, Sherwin attended the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where he served as editor-in-chief of the student newspaper. In 2005, he was named College Photojournalist of the Year by the Missouri Press Association and the Missouri College Media Association.

In addition, Brent Kornblum has been promoted to Advertising Manager. Kornblum has worked with the Jewish Light for more than 10 years, previously serving as Assistant Advertising Manager.