SBJ associate publisher joins Classy Llama

Springfield Business Journal’s associate publisher is exiting his role today for a new position with digital commerce firm Classy Llama Studios LLC.

Marty Goodnight is set to start Jan. 4 as director of digital marketing, a newly created position for the firm located in Chesterfield Village. Goodnight began working at SBJ in June 2016.

Goodnight said he wasn’t actively seeking a new position, but noted the opportunity came about from discussions he had this fall with friend and client Kurt Theobald, CEO of Classy Llama.

“The company created the position to continually invest in digital marketing services for their clients,” Goodnight said, noting he will work directly with the firm’s digital marketing team. “Personally, I had in the back of my mind that I would like to grow my experiences in the digital world. But I’ve loved the time and the work that we’ve all done together at SBJ.”

Goodnight has over 20 years of media sales experience, including positions with The Kansas City Star, Springfield News-Leader and 417 Magazine. He said the new job at Classy Llama will remain centered on helping clients.

“The mission is the same – to be ultra-focused on the client, their results and designing solutions,” he said.

Goodnight most recently served as host of SBJ’s 90 Ideas podcast, which launched Dec. 28.

SBJ Publisher Jennifer Jackson said she’s excited for Goodnight’s new opportunity, adding he is leaving the company “on great terms.” A decision on how best to fill his role in the company is still under consideration, she said.