Bill  spent nearly 42 years with The Virginia Gazette, culminating as Publisher until 2012, when Tribune Company laid off senior management. Journalism ran in his family: his father was a New York City newspaper editor in the 1930s, and his middle sister served as an editor at Look magazine.

After graduating from the University of Detroit, Bill served in the U.S. Army, including a tour in Vietnam, where he earned two Bronze Star medals for service. He joined The Virginia Gazette in 1971 and played a central role in its evolution. In 1984, he led the transition from an afternoon weekly to a morning twice-weekly publication, and he later designed the newspaper’s current building, completed in 1988.

Under Bill’s leadership, paid circulation grew from 2,000 to 18,500. The newspaper’s website, vagazette.com, achieved the highest audience of any non-daily newspaper website in Virginia.

Bill is a past president of the Virginia Press Association, representing 128 newspapers statewide. In 1986, he helped found Housing Partnerships, a local housing rehabilitation organization modeled after Habitat for Humanity but non-sectarian in nature. He also served as president of the Williamsburg Area Chamber & Alliance in 1992.

A dedicated historian and presenter, Bill has developed civic programs on the modern history of James City County, including “Race, Rails, Roads & Robbery.” He spent a year assembling imagery for “The Art of War,” depicting the Battle of Yorktown and the Capes. His Civil War presentation led to a special newspaper section on the Peninsula Campaign, and he later authored a history of the Naval Weapons Station in advance of its 100th anniversary.

His civic contributions have been widely recognized. Bill is a two-time recipient of the Prentis Award for Civic Achievement from the College of William & Mary and received the Korczowski-Fuller Lifetime Achievement Award from the Williamsburg Kiwanis Club.

An avid sailor, Bill turned to the water in retirement, founding Williamsburg Charter Sails, offering three-hour cruises on the historic York River for locals and visitors alike. TripAdvisor recently ranked his charter operation 11th among 96 attractions and activities in greater Williamsburg.

"2026 New Member" Registration

 One of the many benefits of being a KYC member, according to a new member: “Membership in KYC gains you access to over 300 yacht and sailing clubs across the country through the Yachting Club of America." 

Virginia Boating Safety Education Classroom Course

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Time: 9 am - 4 pm (Short lunch break at noon)

https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/240050 

Location:  Mounts Bay Recreation Center

This Boating Safety course is recommended for those wanting to learn more about boating, the rules of the road, and boating safety. The course is open to all Kingsmill motivated students 12 years and older. Successfully completing this course fulfills the Virginia law compliance requirements for boater safety education. A Valid Virginia Boater ID Card is issued after successfully completing the course. Kingsmill Yacht Club membership is not required to take the course.

The class is hosted by the Kingsmill Yacht Club and taught by volunteers from the US Power Squadron/ABC Colonial VA. The class and course materials are free courtesy of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Registration online:  https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/240050