A Fond Farewell: A Patch Editor Says Goodbye

They say all good things come to an end — but I don’t see it as an end, but a fond farewell.

After more than four years, today is my last day at Patch as I get ready to start a new job and a new chapter in my career. But I won’t be leaving Patch — or the great experiences I’ve had here — behind.

When I started this job back in late 2010, Patch was brand new, with just a few sites in the Chicago area.

I got my start as the Romeoville editor, launching the site on Dec. 1, 2010. Since then, both my job and the company have grown and changed considerably. I went from running a single site to managing Patches in Will, Kendall and DuPage counties, and watched as Patch experienced its own growing pains — and both the highs and lows that came with them.

But one thing that never changed was Patch’s focus on community — covering what’s important to our towns and connecting with readers.

As I look back on the past four years, I’m so grateful for the readers who got on board with Patch and stayed with us as we’ve evolved. Working here, I’ve learned a lot and met so many wonderful people — not least of all my amazing coworkers.

I may be saying goodbye, but I’m leaving my Patch sites in the more-than-capable hands of veteran journalist and longtime Patcher Lorraine Swanson.

Like me, Lorraine has been with Patch from the beginning, covering Oak Lawn and other towns in the southland.

Even as I say goodbye, I look forward to watching Patch’s future unfold, and I’m incredibly grateful to have been a part of building something that’s become a part of so many people’s lives.

Thank you to those who have read — and, at times, even criticized — Patch over the years. I’ve truly enjoyed bringing you news and being part of the larger Patch community.

I won’t be going far, and I can promise I’ll be reading — and possibly even contributing to Patch from time to time.

All the best,
Shannon