Veteran Seattle editor joins the Star Tribune newsroom

Suki Dardarian, a longtime leader at the Seattle Times, has been named senior managing editor/vice president of the Star Tribune.

Rene Sanchez, who held the position until he was named executive editor in October, announced the news Wednesday, heralding Dardarian as an enthusiastic, optimistic spirit.

"She is an exceptional editor with a long and stellar record of delivering great journalism and leading newsroom innovation," Sanchez said.

Dardarian has spent the past 14 years at the Times, where she held a number of positions, including serving as managing editor and overseeing digital operations. Her most recent role has been as a top strategist on audience development and community engagement. Under her guidance, the Times won a 2010 Pulitzer Prize for its coverage of the slaying of four police officers and the manhunt for the killer.

"I'm honored to join the Star Tribune at such an exciting time and to be able to work with a team so committed to quality journalism," she said. "I'm also looking forward to exploring a new and beautiful part of the country."

David Boardman, the former executive editor of the Seattle Times, said the Twin Cities area is fortunate to have her.

"In all my years working in newspapers, there was no colleague I more enjoyed and respected than Suki," said Boardman, who is dean of the School of Media and Communication at Temple University in Philadelphia. "She brings to the job, simultaneously, an exacting standard for excellence and a joy for the privilege of serving a community."

Dardarian is expected to start on April 21.

Neal Justin • 612-673-7431