Publisher Dave Abrams has hired veteran journalist Michael White to be the next editor of Professional Mariner magazine.
White replaces Casey Conley, who joined the magazine more than seven years ago and held the role of editor for nearly two years. Conley will continue to contribute to the magazine as a correspondent.
“Michael is not only an experienced and talented editor, but also has a significant background following the shipping business as well as a passion for the maritime industry,” Abrams said. “I am confident that he will bring that passion to Professional Mariner and be a great steward of the publication.
“We are sad to see Casey step down as editor, but I am excited to follow his new adventures and thrilled that he will continue to contribute to the magazine as a writer,” he continued.
White has experience as a reporter and editor for numerous print and online media outlets. Over more than four decades, he has covered the trade and transportation sectors for multiple outlets, including Pacific Shipper, World Trade, Inbound Logistics, Pacific Coast Trade and The Los Angeles Business Journal, among others.
He also worked as the North American media and public relations Manager for Mitsui OSK Lines and the Transpacific Container Service Corp., the carrier’s terminal subsidiary, and as a consultant with Pace University’s World Trade Institute in New York City.
White, who served in the U.S. Coast Guard, has a lifelong interest in ships and the sea. He has four published books to his credit, three of which deal with maritime history. He has traveled in Asia and holds a Certificate in International Trade from Japan’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry in Tokyo.
“It’s a rare privilege to work with the team at Maritime Publishing,” White said. “The entire group has a very positive reputation and I’m looking forward to working with everyone on the team to keep Professional Mariner in its position as the ‘go-to’ publication in the industry.”
White takes the helm at a time of growth for Professional Mariner. The company has added nearly 4,000 digital subscribers over the past year and continues to maintain its base of print subscribers. Advertising sales rose in 2022 during a time when many publishers recorded declines in print and online revenue.
“We know from our recent reader survey that our subscribers really love the magazine. And the 30 percent jump in ad pages in 2022 suggests the print magazine delivers results for advertisers,” Abrams said. “Michael has the skills, background and experience to build on this strong foundation.”
Since March 2021, Professional Mariner has been owned by Maritime Publishing. The company is a subsidiary of the Maritime Institute, which operates maritime training centers in San Diego and Alameda, Calif.; Honolulu; and Norfolk, Va.
Maritime Publishing also owns the publications Ocean Navigator, Pacific Maritime Magazine and Fisherman’s News.