Times Names Baron Editor of Orange County Edition

Martin D. Baron has been named editor of the Orange County Edition of the Los Angeles Times, where he will direct a staff of 200 reporters, editors, artists and photographers in one of The Times’ most competitive markets.

Baron, 38, has been at The Times since 1979 and most recently served as the assistant managing editor overseeing Column One and The Times Poll. Previously, he served as Business Section editor, acting financial bureau chief in New York and a Business Section reporter.

Baron, who holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an MBA from Lehigh University, succeeds Carol Stogsdill, who earlier was named senior editor of The Times.

“I’m honored and delighted to be working with The Times’ superb staff in Orange County,” Baron said. “Our goal is to continue publishing Orange County’s best newspaper.”

Karen Wada, assistant managing editor, assumes Baron’s responsibilities for Column One and The Times Poll. She will continue to oversee the editorial department’s hiring and development division. Wada, 34, who also held a second position as View editor, will give up that responsibility.

Wada, who holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Stanford University, joined The Times in 1980. She has been an assistant managing editor since 1989 and View editor since 1991.