Associate Publisher Tony Clark has been promoted to publisher of Tidewater Publications LLC, which publishes The Tidewater News, Western Tidewater Living and related digital products.

Clark, 42, succeeds Steve Stewart, the newspaper’s publisher since 2006. Stewart, 47, who moved to Suffolk earlier this year to devote more time to his duties as publisher of The Suffolk News-Herald, will retain his ownership interest in the company.

“Tony is a trusted partner who has earned this opportunity through hard work and good results,” Stewart said. “He understands the unique role of a community newspaper in serving the interests of readers, advertisers and the community. Our future is very bright under Tony’s leadership.”

“Steve’s are certainly big shoes to fill,” said Clark, “and I’m grateful for the opportunity to try and do so.

“I love both this company and our community, so to be able to serve both in this capacity will be extremely gratifying.”

Clark, who joined the newspaper in 2010, lives in Southampton County with his wife Mary Ann and their two children, Whitman and Stella.