Eliza Gaines Offers Advice on Mixing Family, Business

Eliza Gaines, the publisher’s daughter, takes over this month as managing editor of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Eliza Gaines has been named executive editor of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Her father, Walter Hussman Jr., is the publisher, and her grandfather and great-grandfather were early leaders of the Palmer-Hussman news chain.

The executive editor’s post at the chain’s flagship paper has been unfilled since Griffin Smith Jr. resigned in 2012. Gaines, a journalism graduate of the University of Carolina and a former editor of the Hot Springs Sentinel-Record, has been managing editor for the past two years. She’ll give up that job at the end of February and return as executive editor after maternity leave. She and her husband, Alec, are expecting their fourth child in March. A search is on for a new ME, starting with in-house candidates.

“I’ve been a working mom for seven years, and I’ve figured out a few things so that I do have a pretty good work-life balance,” Gaines said, answering a question about juggling her duties. “My kids are in a 12-month program at school and I have reliable caregivers… Our baby will have a fantastic nanny. I outsource, automate or delegate home tasks so I can truly focus on my family when I’m not working. Apps like Instacart, Shipt and ToDoist are my best friends.”

A good planner, Gaines said she and the family go over each week’s schedule ahead on Sunday nights.

“I share all of this because I wish someone had given me real-world advice when I had my first baby, instead of just saying, ‘Try to be present when you’re at home with your family.’”

The news is never-ending, and the family understands that she will sometimes have to take calls at home or on vacation. “My husband is completely supportive. My kids are interested in what I do, and I like teaching them about our family’s business.”