CENTRE COUNTY — After 13 years with Town&Gown and The Centre County Gazette, General Manager Tiara Snare is turning the page on a chapter that helped shape both publications and the people behind them.
In a message shared with staff and readers, Snare reflected on her journey from Advertising Coordinator to Creative Director and eventually General Manager, a path she said shaped her both professionally and personally.
“Writing those words is far more difficult than I expected, because these publications, and the people behind them, have been such a defining part of my professional and personal life,” Snare wrote.
She described arriving with enthusiasm and a respect for local media, learning early on that strong relationships, creative storytelling and commitment to community were the foundation of the work. As her role evolved, so did her perspective, especially when she stepped into the creative side of the business.
“When I was given the opportunity to step into the role of Creative Director, my world expanded,” she wrote. “I gained a new appreciation for editorial design, brand voice and the power of visual storytelling.”
Her eventual move into the role of General Manager allowed her to see the full scope of what goes into producing Town&Gown and The Centre County Gazette.
“Leading these publications was never just about managing a business; it was about stewardship,” she wrote. “We are storytellers, connectors and advocates for Centre County.”
Snare also emphasized the people behind the work, calling her colleagues collaborators, mentors and friends, and expressing confidence in the team she leaves behind.
“They truly love serving this community, and it shows in every story told, every partnership built and every issue published,” she wrote.
Mike Donnelly, president of Barash Media, echoed that sentiment.
“Tiara took over running Barash Media four years ago and did a marvelous job in building a great team,” Donnelly said. “She was passionate about the people she worked with and the community she served. She also became a friend.”
Gazette Editor Julie Noal described Snare as a “tenacious leader” who was willing to learn and grow in an industry that is constantly changing.
“I only had the pleasure of working with Tiara for about six months, and what I admired most was her appreciation and understanding of the importance of community journalism,” Noal said. “Tiara embraced the ‘team’ concept and worked together with everyone to make sure both publications were at their best.”
In her farewell message, Snare thanked advertisers, contributors, readers and community partners for their continued support, calling it the foundation that allows local journalism to thrive.
“Leaving is bittersweet,” she wrote. “I am excited for what lies ahead, but I will miss the daily collaboration, the shared wins, the problem-solving and the sense of purpose that comes from working with such an extraordinary team.”
While her next chapter is still unfolding, one thing is certain — her impact on Town&Gown, The Centre County Gazette and the broader Centre County community will be felt for years to come.
