EDITORIAL AND LAYOUT DEPARTMENTS

Name: Rabbi Rachel Esserman

Positions: Interim Executive Editor, Book Reviewer 
E-mail: rachel@thereportergroup.org

Rabbi Rachel Esserman is the interim executive editor and book reviewer for The Reporter Group. She also serves as the Jewish chaplain for Broome Development Disabilities Service Office. Her work has been published in "The Women's Torah Commentary" and "The Women's Haftarah Commentary" (both by Jewish Lights Publishing). She has also had a book of poetry, "I Stand By the River," published by Keshet Press of Temple Concord. A Reconstructionist rabbi whose first love is teaching, she sees her position on the paper as an opportunity to educate the public about Judaism.

Name: Diana Sochor

Position: Layout Editor 
E-mail: diana@thereportergroup.org

Diana started at The Reporter in May 1996 as the editorial assistant. Prior to that she worked at The Walton Reporter as its proofreader and production manager. She was promoted to assistant editor in June 1999 and became the layout editor in April 2001. While she does the overwhelming majority of the layout for all of The Reporter Group’s newspapers, she’s a bit of a "Jill of all trades," also juggling administrative responsibilities, some of the editing (including for the Stamford paper) and, once in a blue moon, a little bit of writing.

Outside of work, Diana is busy chasing after a very active child, a husband and two psycho cats. She’s also a life member of the Girl Scouts and an avid sci fi/fantasy fan.

Name: Michael Nassberg

Position: Assistant Editor, Film Critic 
E-mail: michael@thereportergroup.org

Michael Nassberg, a graduate of Binghamton University, is an article editor and writer for The Reporter Group. During college he wrote and edited for BU’s Pipe Dream, specializing in entertainment coverage and criticism. In graduate school he volunteered for Harpur Palate, a literary journal published by BU’s English Department. He also works as a fiction writer and freelance film critic, whose material has appeared in Homestead Review, Green Mountains Review and on various blogs. In his spare time he is a film buff, bookworm, baseball afficionado and team trivia enthusiast. He is originally from Freehold, New Jersey.

Name: Bonnie Rozen

Position: Advertising Executive
E-mail: bonnie@thereportergroup.org

Bonnie has been at The Reporter Group since 1995. She enjoys spending time with all her advertisers to ensure they are happy with their ads; Bonnie always makes sure they get results from advertising in our newspapers. Bonnie is a graduate of Traphagen School of Fashion Design, and has had one of her designs sold through Butterrick’s Pattern Book. She has an extensive retail and management background as well. Bonnie loves taking pictures, especially of her three daughters. She also makes mezuzahs to order out of clay.

Name: Jenn DePersis

Position: Production Coordinator / Graphic Artist
E-mail: jenn@thereportergroup.org

Having been here at The Reporter Group for almost four years, Jenn designs the ads for many of the papers in our circulation as well as electronically sending the papers to the printer. A graduate of Purchase College, Jenn brings more than 14 years experience with her, in newspaper and book production as well as marketing. As Production Coordinator, Jenn communicates with our printers as well as customers and coordinates many of the special  projects The Reporter Group produces. While not behind the computer at work or home doing freelance, she is an avid knitter and owner of two adopted shelter dogs.

Name: Theresa Truong

Position: Graphic Artist
E-mail: theresa@thereportergroup.org

Theresa is a graduate of Binghamton University, and has a background in Fine Art, applied graphics and web design. At The Reporter Group she is responsible for editing and creating advertisements, as well as maintaining our website.

 See her freelance work at: www.theresa-truong.com

Name: Dan Springer

Position: Business Manager
E-mail: dan@thereportergroup.org

Dan joined The Reporter Group as the business manager in 1995. As the “numbers guy,” Dan prides himself on setting realistic budgets and bringing his wise economic expertise to the table. Dan also oversees The Reporter Group’s ad reps. Dan is a graduate of Binghamton University and has more than 30 years of experience in the finance/marketing/accounting fields. Dan has been an athlete all his life and currently referees high school basketball and umpires baseball.

Name: Maria Kutz

Position: Director of Circulation
E-mail: MRKutz1@hotmail.com

Maria began her career with The Reporter Group in 1991 as a volunteer helping with the mailings. In 1992 she joined the staff on a part-time basis. Since that time she has done a variety of things in support of The Reporter Group. For the past 15 years she has been director of circulation, which finds her sorting, labeling, bundling, tying, counting and bagging all of the newspapers in strict compliance with United States Postal bulk mail regulations. Over the years Maria also has worked in the editorial office as administrative assistant on a temporary basis. In addition to her job at The Reporter Group, Maria enjoys walking, reading and needlework. Over the years she has shared her bulk mail skills and other talents volunteering for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Alzheimer's Association.