Tom Griscom, executive editor and publisher of the Chattanooga Times Free Press, announced on Wednesday that he will resign, effective June 30.

"The opportunity to build the merged newspaper in this community has been a unique experience," Mr. Griscom said. "In a changing media world, it has been gratifying that our readers continue to enjoy the printed newspapers as we expand into other digital formats."

Walter Hussman, president and CEO of Wehco Media Inc., the parent of the Times Free Press, said, "I am pleased with the progress that has been made in Chattanooga. I appreciate the nearly 11 years that Tom has led the newsroom here. He has done an outstanding job, and we hope to find another editor as capable and competent."

Mr. Griscom became executive editor of the Times Free Press in 1999 after the two Chattanooga newspapers -- the Chattanooga Free Press and The Chattanooga Times -- had merged earlier that year under the ownership of Mr. Hussman. He later was named by Mr. Hussman to also serve as publisher for the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Mr. Griscom came to the Times Free Press after a career that included serving as director of communications at the White House while Sen. Howard Baker was chief of staff under President Ronald Reagan.

He also served as an executive with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco in Winston-Salem, N.C., and had been press secretary for Sen. Baker when he served as a U.S. senator from Tennessee.

Mr. Griscom is a University of Tennessee at Chattanooga graduate who served much of the 1970s as political reporter for the Chattanooga News-Free Press.

He has served in key community roles, including as chairman of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. He also has been president of the Tennessee Press Association.