WATERLOO - Courier Publisher Nancy L. Green has announced the appointment of Dave Braton, a veteran newspaper publisher, general manager and advertising manager, as the Courier's new advertising director.

Braton, a native Minnesotan, has a strong background in newspaper management and civic involvement.

"Dave Braton is a terrific sales and management executive and community leader," Green said. "We're thrilled he agreed to join the Courier team and move to the Cedar Valley."

Braton, who is expected to assume his new position in early January, is currently the publisher of the Beatrice Daily Sun in Nebraska and previously was director of sales at the Bismarck Tribune in North Dakota.

Both newspapers are properties of Lee Enterprises, which also owns the Courier.

Braton also spent 20 years at the Fargo Forum in North Dakota, including the last seven as general manager after positions as classified ad manager, retail ad sales manager and advertising director.

Among a long list of civic duties, he has served as president of the North Dakota Newspaper Association and president of the foundation for his alma mater, now known as Minnesota State University-Moorhead, while he also held chamber of commerce, United Way and newspaper advertising industry offices.

"He's a can-do, smart, energetic professional who has excelled in general management, sales and online roles at the other newspapers," Green said. "As an experienced Lee executive, he'll move Courier sales operations to top levels of service and innovation, as well as introduce new programs, approaches and opportunities for our advertisers and business partners."

Braton called Waterloo-Cedar Falls "an exciting market."

"There is much to be proud of," Braton said. "Great educational opportunities, superb health services, a variety of retailers and an enviable manufacturing base are just a few of its strengths.

"It is a community that is positioned for growth. My wife, Cheryl, and I look forward to being part of the community where we can enjoy the arts, culture and overall quality of life. I believe it is an excellent place to call home."

Home originally was Moorhead, where he received his degree in mass communications and marketing in 1973, then began a career that has included "working with individuals placing garage sale ads" to introducing new products and overseeing record newspaper ad sales to being an Internet and e-commerce consultant.

His background is a great fit for the Courier, Green said.

"The newspaper business is broadening its offerings from the main print products," she said. "Dave's print and electronic experience and market research knowledge positions him to lead the Courier's rollout of our extensive Belden research on the Cedar Valley's residents and readers, as well as help our advertisers and economic development leaders use the data to grow their businesses and attract new ones."

Braton said, "I am pleased to join the news professionals at the Courier. I believe the staff is dedicated to provide both readers and advertisers with the best news product and advertising vehicle possible in their daily paper and online.

"The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier has a rich history. I look forward to meeting with the community in a variety of ways, both professionally and through civic involvement to help expand the legacy of this great community."