By Laura Walter

DOVER — Andrew West and Marty Valania have accepted new regional leadership roles for the State News at BaytoBayNews.com.

Mr. West, who has been with the Delaware State News since 1990, will oversee news direction and strategy as editor-in-chief, said Publisher Konrad LaPrade.

“I’ve been super impressed by Andrew and his ability to look at the big picture, think about strategy, readership and really examine the stories and issues from a large view — and help dial that in for our readers in a way that makes sense,” Mr. LaPrade said.

Following Mr. LaPrade’s recent move to publisher, he named Marty Valania as his successor as sales and digital director.

Mr. Valania will oversee advertising sales efforts in the region.

Independent Newsmedia Inc., USA’s Delmarva group includes the Delaware State News, Milford Chronicle, Sussex Post, Smyrna Extra, Salisbury Independent, Dorchester Banner and Crisfield-Somerset County Times and its regional website, BaytoBayNews.com.

With an MBA from the University of Delaware, his career in digital marketing covers more than 20 years and various media companies in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania.

“Marty’s one of the most talented sales leaders who I’ve worked with,” at three separate companies, said Mr. LaPrade. “I’m really grateful for his ability both to mentor, and lead a team as well as his focus on helping customers grow their business, whether through digital, print or looking at the whole picture and marketing plan.”

As Mr. West moves into his new role, he has named Greg Bassett as the managing editor for Maryland and Logan B. Anderson as the managing editor for Delaware.

Mr. Bassett has been editor and general manager of the Salisbury Independent since it was founded in 2014. He has more than 40 years of news experience.

Mr. Anderson, who has roots in southern Kent County, has been in the role of business and special projects editor at the State News for the past two years.

Kitt Parker, a Laurel native, will take the reins as web editor for BaytoBayNews.com.

“This is quite an honor. My roots run deep in Delaware and the Eastern Shore, so I’m thrilled to work with our other homegrown journalists on local stories that truly matter,” said Mr. West, who grew up in Salisbury and got his start in the business as a freelance writer for the Daily Times while in high school.

“Our journalists take great pride in our company’s values and the work we do. We genuinely do want our communities to be great places to live, work and play.”

The moves essentially position the leadership team to build on the success of the company’s regional website, which covers Delaware and a large area of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

“Having the experience that Greg, Logan and Kitt bring to the table — that makes a really dynamic team,” said Mr. LaPrade. “I can’t wait to see the journalism they do, as they continue to work in Delmarva to report the news.”