Robert Moore, center, announced that he is selling Voice Publishing Company Inc. to longtime employees Terry Thompson, left, and Leo Cusimano. (Arnold Wayne Jones/Dallas Voice)
From Staff Reports
After almost 29 years and more than 1,500 issues, Robert Moore is stepping down as publisher of Dallas Voice, the premier media source for LGBT Texas.
Moore, who co-founded Dallas Voice in 1984, also announced Monday that he is selling Voice Publishing Company Inc. — parent company of Dallas Voice, the Dallas Voice Yellow Pages and online product developer Digital Seltzer — to longtime employees Leo Cusimano and Terry Thompson.
Cusimano, who currently serves as advertising director, will become publisher. Thompson, who serves as promotions manager, will become president. The changes take effect April 1.
Moore, 57, said the driving factor behind his decision to retire is a desire to travel and experience other cultures.
“Friends who know me know that I love adventure travel,” he said. “I love to get off the beaten path. The world is a big place. While many people are satisfied to experience a little of it, I hunger to see as much as I can. In order to do that I need more personal time. I’m still young enough and fit enough that many of the things I’ve dreamed about doing I can do, but I cannot do those and at the same time give the attention to Voice Publishing that it deserves.”
Moore said he plans to remain involved with Voice Publishing as a consultant.
“I don’t feel like I’m saying goodbye to the Voice as an institution,” he said. “I don’t feel like I’m saying goodbye to the people who are running it, and I don’t feel like I’m saying goodbye to the community, because I still intend to be involved somewhat. What I am saying goodbye to is the daily operations.”
Moore also expressed confidence in Cusimano, Thompson and the future of Voice Publishing.
“As long there is an LGBT community here that wants to be a community, there will still be a role for LGBT media,” Moore said. “One of the reasons for me leaving now is because I have such confidence in Leo and Terry. They know that media in general is changing. They have new ideas.”
Cusimano, who has been with Dallas Voice for 21 years, said he believes the transition will be seamless.
“Today we celebrate as Robert turns another page in his journey and we start another chapter here at Dallas Voice,” Cusimano said. “I have a passion for this business, for this company. Publishing is in my veins. I believe it is vitally important that our community have a media source for in-depth, comprehensive LGBT news and lifestyle information — particularly local coverage.”
Cusimano announced that Chad Mantooth, currently an advertising account manager, will become associate advertising director.
Thompson, who has been with the company for 10 years, said while he and Cusimano will take on additional responsibilities, the staff assembled by Moore remains intact.
“I think our greatest asset is our team of co-workers here in the Dallas Voice family,” Thompson said. “We will miss Robert and his steady hand at the helm. At its heart, Dallas Voice remains what he built it to be, a trusted and strong voice in our community. Every organization grows and changes, and we are no exception. This is a positive and well-planned transition. I look forward to realizing our potential as we guide Dallas Voice into its third decade.”
