Robert A. Daugherty, whose four-decade career with The Associated Press captured history including President Lyndon B. Johnson writing the speech in which he declined reelection, Richard Nixon flashing “V for Victory” signs before leaving the White House in disgrace and Jimmy Carter clasping hands with Middle East leaders after cementing a peace treaty, has died after a lengthy illness. He was 86.

In a memo to staff, National Security and Foreign Policy Editor Courtney Bonnell announced that Konstantin Toropin will join AP’s Washington team as a Pentagon reporter.

The Independent Newspaper Group has announced the appointment of Heidi Wright as its new executive director. She succeeds Don Farley, who has led the organization for the past five years and helped strengthen its role as a voice and resource for independent publishers nationwide.

Veteran journalist and Boone County native Phil Perry has been named president of HD Media, which publishes The Herald-Dispatch, the Charleston Gazette-Mail and a host of weekly publications across West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio.

Michelle Robinson will be responsible for operational duties of the newspaper as well as retaining her role as chief revenue officer.

Longtime newsroom manager and reporter Laura Gunderson has been named editor and vice president of content for The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Sheila Mondeau has been named the new publisher of The Argus-Press in Owosso, Michigan, marking a leadership transition for the historic local newspaper.