Village Voice EIC Don Forst has resigned after nine years, effective December 31, 205. Interesting timing. Managing editor Doug Simmons will step into the breach. Happy New Year!

After the jump, Forst's farewell memo to staff, sent 4:41 pm and Village Voice Publisher Judy Miszner's response, circa 4:44 pm.

From Don Forst:

I have submitted my resignation today as editor-in-chief to Judy Miszner, effective December 31, 2005. A number of prospects have presented themselves and I think this is an opportune time to explore them.

These nine years have been exciting for me because of what this paper does and what it represents to the city; and that¹s because of all of you. I am proud of what we have accomplished together.

I thank you for sharing your talent with me and wish you and the Voice good times and great fortune.

From Judy Miszner:

This morning I received, with great sadness, Don Forst’s letter of resignation from the Voice.

During my six years as Publisher of the Voice, I have had the great fortune to work with Don, who is an incredible colleague and friend. As Editor-in-Chief, Don has held the Voice to the highest levels of professionalism and journalistic integrity. It is no coincidence that during Don’s tenure the Voice has maintained a national reputation of excellence and received numerous awards, including NY Press Club, Deadline Club, Livingston, Mike Berger, Front Page, IRE and a Pulitzer for International Reporting. Don has also hired and developed an outstanding team of writers and editors. And these are just a few of Don’s legacies.

I wish Don much happiness and success in his future endeavors. He will be greatly missed.

Effective immediately, Doug Simmons will oversee the editorial department on an interim basis. Don will remain through December 31 to assist in the transition.