February 5, 1999

Herbert Gant, executive editor of Psychiatric News, has retired after 32 years of service with APA.

Gant began his career with APA in 1966 as a reporter for Psychiatric News. He held positions as associate editor, managing editor, and editor. He was named executive editor when the newspaper's first editor in chief, Robert J. Campbell III, M.D., was appointed in 1982.

Gant has also served as the staff liaison to Area 1 for several years.

During his tenure, Psychiatric News grew from a monthly newspaper of about 24 pages to its current tabloid format with an average of 42 pages published twice a month. Initially carrying little advertising, the newspaper is now one of APA's most important sources of revenue, attracting more than $4 million in advertising a year.

He has served under three medical directors and has been instrumental in recording three decades of events in the field of psychiatry

James P. Krajeski, M.D., editor in chief of Psychiatric News, praised Gant's work. "His sense of news and his writing and editing skills are outstanding. He is the individual who over the years has been most responsible for shaping the newspaper and presenting the face of psychiatry to members of APA and the public. Those of us at Psychiatric News are losing a valued, sensitive, and remarkably petersonable coworker who has been a consummate professional journalist. He will be greatly missed by us."

Commented Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Robert J. Campbell III, M.D., "Herb was the epitome of the executive editor: He could administer, he worked effectively with people, and he could write. His loss to each of us is a significant one."

Gant will continue as a consultant for Psychiatric News until a new executive editor is chosen.