Tonnie L. Katz

Birthday: March 14, 1945

Hometown: Lowell, Mass.

Married: On July 4, 1999 to Tadek Korn

Children: Jennifer, 27, Matthew, 29, and two stepdaughters, Tamar, 19, and Miriam, 22

Self portrait: Low tolerance for b.s. High tolerance for change. Flexible and funny.

Bad habit: I don’t take time for myself

Pet peeve: People who don’t keep their promises.

Most dangerous story: At Columbia, we went underground to find the man who did the largest number of illegal abortions in New York City.

My newspaper’s strength: The talented staff. Dedicated, committed and flexible.

Worst part of the job: Doing the budget

Best part of the job: Seeing the work we do affect change in the community.

Vacation spot: Center Lovell on Lake Kezar in Maine

Books at bedside: The Perfect Storm, Death du Jour, Beloved, and Built to Last

Best advice I could give a 20-year-old: Be a life-long learner

My trademark expression: The ones you can print?

My best asset is: My passion for excellence in journalism.

Behind my back, employees say: I should spend more time in the newsroom.

My most difficult decision as a leader: How to make budget cuts, especially if they affect people.

Tips on leadership: Listen, listen, listen and be willing to change your mind.

What I worry about most is: We won’t change fast enough or in changing rapidly we will throw the baby out with the bath water

I’m happiest when: I see great storytelling in the newspaper and when we beat the competition.