Bellingham Herald editor retires after a 46-year career. Here’s what’s next

Julie Shirley, executive editor of The Bellingham Herald since 2003, is retiring Friday, April 21.

“I started my journalism career with a typewriter, and I’d expected to retire several years ago, but there was always a new story. I couldn’t walk away during the COVID crisis,” she said.

“I leave now knowing The Bellingham Herald isI well on its way to the digital future. We’ve come a long way in the 20 years since I moved to Bellingham: from print to digital, eEditions, apps, newsletters, video and social media.

“Now, after 46 years of editing, it’s time for me to pass the torch.”

Shirley plans to continue to live in Bellingham, with travel and volunteering planned for the future.

Stephanie Pedersen, McClatchy’s Northwest regional editor, is leading the job search for the next editor and will work with The Herald’s Bellingham-based reporters in the interim.

If you have a news tip to share, please continue to contact The Herald by email at newsroom@bellinghamherald.com.

This story was originally published April 17, 2023 at 5:00 AM.