Chris Morelli

Sure, expect changes.

But also expect some of the features you have come to know and like about the Butler Eagle from its new managing editor, Chris Morelli.

“I like what we are doing here but there’s always room for improvement,” said Morelli, a lifelong journalist and Western Pennsylvania native.

Moving most recently from a four-year stint redesigning and leading the Centre County Gazette in State College, Morelli fills the vacancy left by the retirement of longtime news chief Mark Mann.

Morelli, who grew up in Allegheny County and graduated from Penn State University, acknowledges you’re not going to miss the word “sports” on his resume. He’s been a sports writer and editor for more than a handful of publications, including the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat and the Centre Daily Times.

He’s a fan of the Steelers, Pirates and Pens. But when it comes to college football, he says he divides his loyalties equally between Pitt and Penn State.

Still, Morelli says he recognizes sports as just one interest, not only for himself, but also for the community that subscribes to the Butler Eagle. He also is well versed in local government, community and educational issues.

“I love to meet new people and tell their story,” said Morelli, who knew he wanted to be a newsman since childhood.

He kicked off his career on the school newspaper. A high school tour of the Pittsburgh Press was a deal-sealing motivator and one of his first jobs out of college forecast his future: He was a sports reporter for the Butler Eagle from 1994 to 1995.

He left the Eagle to follow the love of his life, Jodi, who now is his wife. The couple have two children, 13-year-old Maddie and 18-year-old Jake, who is a freshman at Robert Morris University.

“We are really pleased to have Chris join our organization. He brings 20 years of experience — and more importantly, enthusiasm — to us,” said Ron Vodenichar, Butler Eagle general manager and co-publisher. “We anticipate Chris being the driving force behind moving our various social media platforms much further along. I think he is going to be a great addition to this community.”

Among the strengths Morelli brings with him is a forward-thinking approach to social media and digital content. He notes that at his most recent newspaper he spearheaded the effort to establish a website, Facebook page and Twitter account.

Now, he’s eager to work with the Butler Eagle’s digital content platform to keep current with reader interests.

“But I still like to get ink on my fingers,” he said.

Morelli said he looks forward to the transition back to his old stomping ground.

“This feels like a homecoming,” he said while opening the door to his office, both figuratively and literally.