POULSBO — Richard Walker has been named editor of the North Kitsap Herald.

Walker transfers to the Herald from The Journal of the San Juan Islands in Friday Harbor, where he has served as editor since November 1999. Both newspapers are owned by Sound Publishing Co.

“I am very excited to have Richard as part of our team here in North Kitsap,” Herald Publisher Donna Etchey said. “He has a deep commitment to community journalism.”

On San Juan Island, Walker was a member of the San Juan Historical Museum Board of Trustees for 10 years and authored the photo history, “Roche Harbor” (Arcadia, 2009). He has been a reporter, city editor and editor in Alabama, California and Utah. He was editor of Alabama’s fastest-growing daily newspaper and in California was editor of a group of newspapers producing six editions four days a week. He has been a journalist since 1978, with the exception of four years in the U.S. Navy.

He and his wife, Molly, a teacher, have been married since 2002. He has a 22-year-old daughter, Kelly, from a previous marriage. He enjoys Coast Salish art and culture, exploring the great Pacific Northwest, and trying to golf. Walker said he can’t think of a more important profession than journalism.

“Molly and I are captivated by the natural beauty, the cultural diversity and the economic vibrancy of North Kitsap,” Walker said. “The Herald has a great history, and I look forward to joining the staff and helping to continue the Herald’s tradition of solid journalism and community service.”

Walker’s first day at the Herald is Jan. 12. He plans to live in Poulsbo.

Tad Sooter, who has served as interim editor throughout the candidate search, will resume his regular duties as the Herald’s North End reporter and editor of the monthly Kingston Community News.