The Messenger has undergone a few changes recently. We said goodbye to former Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Nicole LaMacchia, who took a job in the State Senate. Allow us to formally introduce you to those at the helm of the next era for The Messenger.
Michael J. Reistetter, Editor-in-Chief
Hauppauge 2014 graduate, Mike Reistetter, bylined as Michael J. Reistetter, colloquially referred to as “Reis” – pronounced Rice – knew he was going to be a writer from the young age of 5 or 6.
“You couldn’t keep a marble notebook out of my hand if you tried,” Reis said. “From K-12, my doodling was writing epic short stories.”
Reis, 26, became the Editor-in-Chief of his high school paper, then carried this title with him at Mount Saint Mary College— where he also attained a Film Studies minor and screenwriting focus. Upon graduation in 2017, Reis completed a 2-year TV Writers Studio intensive at LIU Brooklyn, receiving his Master’s in 2019.
Before starting his career at The Messenger, Reis wrote for Screen Rant and The Long Islander. He also worked as a Bleacher Report production assistant during his Messenger tenure.
Reis joined The Messenger in June 2021, and served as a staff writer until his promotion to Sports & Entertainment Editor in February 2022.
“I pretty much always started out writing movie reviews and then quickly moved onto what I call ‘cutting journalism’ – longform, narrative-style profiles about important people doing big things in their community,” Reis said. “It’s my way of blending my two worlds. And making my world a part of yours, too.”
His most significant honor was bestowed upon him just last month with a new title: Editor-in-Chief, a position that, as mentioned, has followed him since his high school days.
Diane Caudullo, Publisher
A freelance writer with over 20 years of experience, business owner, small business and community advocate, Diane Caudullo was named the new Publisher of The Messenger Papers.
“I had written a column that ran in Our Place and Neighbor News for some time called the Spotlight on Small Business,” Caudullo said. “Highlighting local businesses, yes, but more so the people behind them.”
Instead of retiring, moving down south and enjoying “no-more-work-days,” Caudullo stays busy by maintaining involvement in her community while taking on her new role as Publisher.
“I have been the President of the Centereach Civic Association for 23 years,” Caudullo said. “I am on the board of the Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce.”
Caudullo is bringing her experience in running her businesses, helping other companies to stay afloat and being a community advocate to The Messenger Papers.
“The concepts of running a business largely carry over from business to business.
This makes me a good fit for the role of Publisher,” Caudullo said.
To our readers, thank you for your continuous support and let’s congratulate and give a warm welcome to your newest Editor-in-Chief and Publisher.
