John J. Hopkins has been named managing editor of the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal and the Medina Journal-Register, publisher Diane Crowe announced.

Hopkins moves to the US&J from a fellow Western New York Newspaper affiliate, the Tonawanda News, where he served as night city editor for nearly four years.

Hopkins takes over the reigns from Karen Keefe, who recently announced her retirement.

“I am very pleased to welcome John to his new position as managing editor for the Lockport and Medina newspapers. John brings with him a wealth of experience in multimedia media, sales and social media — which will be a huge asset to our management team,” Crowe said. “As a former editor for our sister paper in Tonawanda, we are indeed very fortunate to have such a highly qualified and caring candidate to promote from within our Western New York Newspaper family. I know John is eager to meet business and civic leaders, advertisers and readers alike, and I hope in the days ahead that many of you will take a moment to welcome him to his new role.”

A veteran of Western New York media, Hopkins served from August 2001 to June 2008 as editor of the Cheektowaga Times, an award-winning weekly paper for its stories and photos, before joining the Tonawanda News. He joined the Times in February 2001 as the town reporter.

Prior to the Times, Hopkins served as director of public relations for the Buffalo Wings, a professional roller hockey team that played from 1997-1999. He was the named the league’s public relations director of the year in 1999. He also worked from 1997-1999 in the public relations department of the Buffalo Blizzard, a professional indoor soccer team. Hopkins was the Blizzard’s radio broadcaster for the 1999-2000 season.

Hopkins got his start in local media in 1993 with WGR-55 where he served in several capacities including on-air sports reporting and weekend sports talk.

He said he’s excited about the opportunity the US&J presents and added he’s anxious to meet people in the community.

“I’m looking forward to working with the outstanding newsroom at the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal and the Medina Journal-Register,” said Hopkins. “Having been a member of the same company for nearly four years, I already am familiar with the veteran staff and the stories they bring to the community each day.”

A 1993 graduate of Buffalo State College with a bachelor’s degree in communications, Hopkins resides in Cheektowaga with his wife, Colleen.

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