(This week The Columbian-Progress spotlights Managing Editor Susan Amundson.)
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born Feb. 23, 1970, in Frederick, Md.
Q: Where did you attend school?
A: I graduated from Walkersville High School in Maryland in 1988. I attended school from kindergarten to graduation at the Walkersville schools.
Q: Where do you work? Tell us about your job/company.
A: I am the managing editor at The Columbian-Progress. I started in this position in May 2019, and I love it. The Columbian-Progress is Marion County’s local newspaper reporting on events from all over the county.
Q: What led you to your profession?
A: I moved to Marion County in 2008. My first job I got when I moved here was the receptionist position here at the paper. It was a part-time position. From there I was promoted to production assistant. I was working at Crain Tractor, and I originally applied to be the managing editor in January. I thought I was not a candidate, but in April I received an email asking if I was still interested. I said yes and here I am. I don’t know about all of journalism and/or media, but I absolutely love The Columbian-Progress.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being in journalism?
A: Being out in the public, meeting and talking to people. Even though I know some people may get aggravated with my questions, I’m protective of our citizens and want to make sure they are getting all the information they can impartially so the people can make informed decisions.
Q: What aspect of your job do you wish the public could see?
A: How much I really do care. I’m not a crazy journalist out to get the “scoop” or the “hottest” story; I care about the people involved. I care about the good, the bad and the ugly. I have cried tears and stayed up at night thinking about the things that have gone on.
Q: What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
A: There are a couple of things. One, because I don’t have a journalism degree, I lack in a couple areas I feel like. I’m thankful I have a lot of support here at the office. Another thing for people to understand is I really do care about the community and the people in it.
Q: What is the most important lesson you have learned in your career?
A: Don’t be quick to judge because everyone has a story. Even if someone committed a murder, instead of looking at the person and thinking “murderer,” you have to remember that person has at least one person who loves them. I try to keep that in mind when I write.
Q: When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: Anything and everything. I wanted to be a veterinarian, a nurse, a doctor, a singer and a reporter.
Q: What was your first job?
A: I was a cook at a little roadside diner called Berkley’s.
Q: Who are the people who have been most influential in your life?
A: Jesus first and foremost. My father, David Kinlaw, we were very close. Also my husband and children.
Q: What is your spouse’s name?
A: Jeff.
Q: Do you have children?
A: I always say we have a herd because between us we have seven. From 32 to 16, it’s never a dull moment. Tj is 32, Heather is 29, Brandon is 28, Nick is 24, Kaylee is 22, Hayden is 17 and Kaitlyn is 16.
Q: If you could have anything for your last meal on earth, what would it be?
A: Either a steak and baked potato or some Maryland crabs with plenty of Old Bay seasoning.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Hawaii, Israel and Europe. I have a shirt that says “I haven’t been everywhere, but it is on my list.”
Q: What hobbies do you like to do in your spare time?
A: Painting even though I’m not very good. I love to swim also and watch Hallmark movies.
Q: What do you enjoy about Columbia and Marion County?
A: The people in it. There are some really great people here. It’s a place that has so much potential. Its location lets you be close to a lot of things, but it’s also far enough away that you have breathing space.
Q: Where do you go to church?
A: Grace Chapel in Sandy Hook.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone from your life or history, who would it be and why?
A: There are so many. Jesus, my father, Thomas Jefferson or even both of my grandfathers. They both died when I was little so I never got to really know them.
Q: What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
A: Jeff makes an incredible cheese ball. I could eat the entire thing.
Q: What moment in your life has had the biggest impact on who you are today?
A: Beside that moment I gave my life to Jesus, I would say the day I moved to Mississippi. Life had taken a tough turn in Maryland, and I felt like I needed to start over so I did. I moved with my children in April 1998. It was a pivotal moment because I had no family here so I had no choice but to sink or swim. Just like Dory from Finding Nemo… “just keep swimming.”
Q: Using one word for each, what are your top three defining characteristics?
A: Integrity, honesty and compassion.
Q: How would you like to be remembered?
A: I would like people to remember that they saw Jesus in me and that I was a person who loved people and the world around her.
—Joshua Campbell
