Michael Westendorf
Chairman & CEO
Michael Westendorf is chairman and chief executive of Sterling, Hoffman & Co., a Midland-based media company that publishes The Saginaw Valley Journal. Mr. Westendorf previously served as executive editor of The Saginaw Valley Journal from its founding until June 2011, and as managing editor of The Valley Vanguard from 2008 to 2009.
Prior to his work in journalism, Mr. Westendorf served as president and chief executive, and later chairman, of Midland Hockey, an organization dedicated to promoting and developing the sport of hockey in Midland, Mich. During his three year tenure at Midland Hockey, Mr. Westendorf presided during the move of hockey operations to a brand new $10.3 million facility. He also co-founded Midland Roller Sports, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to the fostering of inline skating sports in Midland County. He previously served on the board of directors of the DStreet Entertainment Foundation, a foundation that awards scholarships and financial aid to musicians.
He is a member of the Federalist Society and the Supreme Court Historical Society, both based in Washington D.C. He lives in Midland, Mich. with his wife, Michelle, and their daughter.
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Daniel Chapman
Editor-in-Chief
Daniel Chapman is editor-in-chief of The Saginaw Valley Journal. In this role, Mr. Chapman is responsible for leading the editorial staff and overseeing and coordinating news coverage.
Prior to joining The Saginaw Valley Journal, Mr. Chapman fought tirelessly for students rights and transparency as a representative in the SVSU Student Association where he served on the legislative & external affiars and student concerns committees. Mr. Chapman drafted legislation of an unprecedented nature, promoting accountability and transparency, reducing Student Association officer salaries, and providing necessary checks on the SVSU administration. Mr. Chapman was a candidate for president of the association in 2011. He continues to serve as a representative in the association during his tenure as editor-in-chief.
Mr. Chapman has attained the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America — he is an Eagle Scout. He lives at Saginaw Valley State University.
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James Gault
Managing Editor
James Gault is managing editor of The Saginaw Valley Journal. Mr. Gault oversees news coverage and content and is primarily responsible for The Journal’s coverage of the SVSU administration and faculty; political organizations and legislative affairs; and police and crime. He also presides over The Saginaw Valley Journal’s internship program.
Mr. Gault studied philosophy and classical studies at Loyola University in Chicago. He has extensive experience in higher-education governmental affairs and politics. In his role as managing editor, Mr. Gault reports directly to Mr. Chapman.
He lives in Saginaw, Mich.
