Alex Mena has been promoted to managing editor of McClatchy’s South Florida newspapers The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald.
Mena is the first Nicaraguan journalist to hold this top-level position.
He takes over the role from Rick Hirsch, the Miami Herald’s managing editor for the past 12 years, who retired after a 42-year journalism career.
Mena, who has been with the Herald for more than 26 years, and was most recently deputy managing editor for both publications, will help oversee Miami newsroom operations, with direct oversight over el Nuevo Herald.
Mena started his career at the Herald in 1993.
Although he did a two-year stint at the Sun Sentinel from 2001 to 2003, he spent almost his entire journalism journey at the Herald. During his time at the news organization, he has covered high school games, worked as a designer, copy editor, deputy sports editor, news editor and sports editor.