Ralph Wray Leaving News
to Seek Other Challenges

by Tom Buckham

Ralph L. Wray, who headed the Buffalo News management bargaining committee during negotiations that produced last fall's six-year agreement with the Buffalo Newspaper Guild, is stepping down as senior vice president and employee relations director.

The news was delivered by Stanford Lipsey, president and publisher, in response to a question after Margaret Sullivan's appointment as managing editor was announce at the Jan. 7 meeting of newsroom employees.

Wray, who joined the News 10 years ago is looking for a new challenge but will remain available to the News on a consulting basis, Lipsey told the newsroom.

"The Buffalo News is a very strong organization with strong leadership both in management and on the labor side," Wray said. "I can honestly characterize my association with the Guild, and all other unions, as one of the highlights of my career, both professionally and personally."

Joseph F. Saeli, Jr., who joined The News in 1996 as director of human resources and general counsel, will be interim employee relations director. The News does not plan to immediately replace Wray.