Jeff Shabram named publisher of The Highlander and Burnet Bulletin

Special to the Highlander

Highland Lakes Publishing welcomed Jeff Shabram to their family of media publications in November as the new publisher and editor of The Highlander and Burnet Bulletin as well as a growing number of print publications and digital platforms.

Prior to settling in the Highland Lakes, Shabram was the publisher of the Hearst-owned Midland Reporter-Telegram and oversaw Hearst's west Texas media publications as president and group publisher from 2015 to present. Shabram took over the reins for the Highlander and Bulletin staff on Nov. 4.

“Becoming a permanent resident of the Hill Country has been a dream of my wife Judith and I for many years. We came into contact with the area, spending vacation time here – ultimately seeking to stake our claim.”

In his travels to the area, Shabram became familiar with the lay of the land as well as developed an understanding of the unique characteristics of the Marble Falls, Burnet, Cottonwood Shores, Granite Shoals, Horseshoe Bay, Kingsland, Meadowlakes and Llano communities.

“I view Highland Lakes Newspapers as exceptional publications embedded in small towns which embrace the publications as their own,” he said. “Our multimedia platforms – print and online – deliver thorough and comprehensive news, sports and features while keeping our fingers on the pulse of a rapidly growing area.

“With the explosion of development, our mission is to remain diligent in our news coverage and keep pace with the needs of our communities.”

Managing Editor Lew K. Cohn said he expects a seamless transition in new leadership.

"I am excited to be working with someone who has the experience and passion for community newspapers that Jeff possesses,” he said. “He brings a wealth of knowledge, and I know The Highlander will continue to grow and flourish with his leadership."

Prior to his time in west Texas, Shabram spent several years as a digital media executive from Omaha, Nebraska which included stints as the senior and corporate director of Digital Agency Services in the Berkshire Hathaway Digital Services Division.

Shabram has made it part of his civic duty to participate in community service projects, including prison ministry and other church-related activities. He and his wife have two married daughters and two granddaughters.

“Burnet County and the surrounding Hill Country are thriving, growing communities and Highland Lakes Publishing continues to expand our reach to individuals and businesses both in print and online in order to inform and assist in that growth.

“I look forward to my family becoming a part of the local newspaper families as well as stewarding our staff in the direction of what our readers desire in their newspapers and expanding print and digital publications and services."

Shabram replaced Frank Shubert who retired with the company after five years.

“Jeff is an energetic and experienced newspaper man with a forward-thinking philosophy about the critical role of newspapers in rural communities,” Shubert said. “His expertise in digital technology as well as determined adherence to journalistic integrity makes him a perfect fit for the position.”

To send the new publisher a note, email jeff@highlandernews.com.

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