Ex-Modesto Bee publisher Lynn Dickerson leaving McClatchy Co.

Lynn Dickerson, a former publisher of The Modesto Bee, is leaving the McClatchy Co. staff effective July 17, the Sacramento-based company said Thursday.

Dickerson has been a vice president of operations since 2006, overseeing 11 McClatchy newspapers in the Southeast and Texas. She joined the company in Modesto in 2000.

“I leave McClatchy with a heart full of gratitude for the many opportunities afforded to me and my family over the last nine years,” Dickerson said. “In spite of the difficulties of the last few years, I feel blessed to have spent my career doing meaningful work in an important industry and for such a good company.”

Gary Pruitt, McClatchy’s chief executive officer, praised Dickerson as a “talented, dedicated and engaging executive” who was an outstanding publisher and important member of the corporate staff.

He said Dickerson’s duties will be divided between the company’s two other operational vice presidents.

“We continue to restructure and transition to a new business model, one that requires us to be smaller and more efficient in every area of the organization,” Pruitt said. “This includes our senior management and corporate offices.”