Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Jess McCuan, the editor of Verve magazine since its inception in 2008, has announced that she’s left the organization and will pursue freelance work.
The magazine started out as a slick, glossy production that showcased – exclusively – the power of Western North Carolina women at work and play. It often took the approach of sharing women’s “secret double lives,” putting their public personas in perspective with passions that might not be so well-known. Its pages also prominently featured the photography of great local photogs.
The magazine went to a taller, broader format and paper printing a couple of years ago. It’s published by Hendersonville-based Plant Zeus Media, which also publishes Bold Life and Carolina Home + Garden magazines, as well as the website Hville Scoop.
McCuan brought her own sense of style to the magazine, as well as a sharp journalistic approach honed through her background in newspaper and magazine reporting. It will be hard to imagine the magazine without her.
Wish all the best to Jess. Here’s the note she’s circulating:
Hello, Asheville friends.
I have some sad news. The July issue of VERVE will be my last as Editor of the magazine. Over the next few months, I will be tackling freelance projects that will, luckily, let me stay in Asheville.
In 2008, I had the pleasure of brainstorming out and starting up VERVE, a magazine I have so loved. I couldn’t be prouder of the work our photographers and writers do each month to showcase the women of Western North Carolina. We have had rich material to work with. Asheville women: you rock. Thank you for making our jobs easy!
So many friends have helped with so many things… leads, office space, story ideas, props, makeup, cupcakes, computers, time, patience and support (of just about every kind). I thank you so much for it, and could not have done it without you all.
Thank you, again, and I’ll be in touch with many of you about next steps. After July 1, send queries about VERVE to [email protected].
In the future, reach me at my personal email: [email protected].
Image link for Verve magazine.
Curious, I don’t know the exact reasons for her leaving. Perhaps she was just ready for a change; seeking higher pay and benefits; some other reason….
I don’t know what the plans are for her replacement, but I’ll ask the publishers.
Can you give your loyal readers some insight into why the Verve editor has left? Who will be her replacement?