Freedom Communications sent us the following press release about a new hire for their regional specialty magazines:

IRVINE, Calif. -- Sept. 23, 2008 -- Freedom Specialty Media, a division of Freedom Communications, Inc., today announced Erin Zilis has been appointed vice president, publisher. Zilis joins Freedom on September 25, reporting to Doug Bennett, senior vice president, Technology and Administration, Freedom Interactive.

Zilis will be responsible for overseeing operations for Freedom's Specialty Media publications including Coast, Coast Kids and Preferred Destinations.

"We are all very excited to have Erin join our team and help us continue to serve our community with some great local content as well as sustain our number one position as Orange County's best lifestyle magazine," said Bennett.

Zilis brings nearly 15 years of experience in publishing, marketing and business development to Freedom, most recently serving as vice president of custom media and business development for McMurry, Inc., a full service marketing communications firm based out of Phoenix, Ariz. Zilis served in a variety of roles at McMurry, including vice president, client services and executive publisher of custom media where she managed and launched numerous magazines including The Ritz-Carlton Magazine, Resort Living, Haven and Origins. Prior to her term with McMurry, Zilis served in a variety of marketing and publications management roles at Cadmus Custom Publishing (now The Pohly Company, Boston, Mass.), Allmerica Financial (Worcester, Mass.) and Published Image, Inc. (Boston, Mass.).

"Freedom Specialty Media has a wonderful history and I'm looking forward to becoming a part of the team," said Zilis. "Regional magazines and content have become one of the hottest categories in recent years so it's a great time to be further capitalizing on that trend."

Zilis holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Boston College.