David Vitrano was recently promoted to managing editor of L’Observateur as of Nov. 29.

Publisher Sandy Cunningham cited Vitrano’s hard work and dedication to the newspaper as reasons for the promotion.

“David has virtually run the editorial department for several years and has been counted on to help in other departments as well,” Cunningham said. “He’s an asset to L’Observateur, and I believe he has a bright career with Wick Communications ahead of him.”

Vitrano joined the paper in March 2008 as news editor. A year later he was named assistant managing editor by then-publisher John Walker.

Since joining L’Observateur, Vitrano has become a fixture at area events, regularly venturing out on weekends to snap photos of local happenings. Besides his regular editorial duties, which include laying out the newspaper and special sections, Vitrano covers the local education beat. He also specializes in bringing the people of the River Parishes the type of “good news” on which community newspapers thrive. He regularly pens the weekend profile articles called “Who We Are.” He also particularly focuses on promoting the arts in the community.

Vitrano graduated from Tulane University in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in English and Asian studies. He also attended graduate school at Louisiana State University, where his focus was print journalism.

He also brings a bit of a global eye to the local news scene, having spent two years teaching English in Japan and a subsequent year backpacking across Asia and North Africa.

“I look forward to the opportunity to continue to grow as both a reporter and an editor here in the River Parishes, where my parents grew up,” said Vitrano. “I feel lucky to have a job that affords me the constant chance to learn new things.”