Ryan Winslett has been named the new editor of The Times as of Jan. 1, it was announced by Publisher L. Alan Cruikshank.

Winslett will replace Mike Scharnow, who told Cruikshank last week that he is leaving his post after 32 years with the newspaper.

He will be changing careers, becoming a financial advisor representing a national firm.

Ryan, 33, has worked as a reporter for The Times for 10 years. He has covered sports and school news. His coverage of high school sports has won him numerous awards in the Better NewxpzperContests in both the state and national competitions.

Born in Athens, Georgia, Winslett said he spent his childhood climbing trees, fishing and fine tuning his southern accent that stood out in a crowd when he moved to Globe, Ariz., in elementary school.

An avid writer and reader from an early age, he first tried his hand at journalism when he joined the Globe High School newspaper, The Papoose. He wrote and edited stories before graduating in 2001.

While initially studying computer sciences at Northern Arizona University, Winslett rediscovered a passion for writing and switched his major to journalism. He worked on the university’s newspaper, The Lumberjack.

Starting out as an entertainment reporter, he moved on to become assistant editor, editor and finally, Editor-in-Chief of the student-run newspaper.

He graduated from NAU with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism with a minor in photography in December 2005.

At The Times, in addition to his regular coverage of schools and sports, he has also written award-winning features, writes a regular feature on upcoming movies and a column called Tech Talk for the Let’s Go publication.

“Once he is adjusted to the editor’s position in our print edition, he will be developing our advancement into the social media field,” Cruikshank said.

“Ryan has worked hard in his 10 years with us. I’m pleased to be able to give him this promotion.”

Winslett has lived in Fountain Hills since he began working at The Times.