BIDDEFORD — Bruce Hardina was recently named publisher of the Journal Tribune in Biddeford. Hardina most recently served as publisher and editor of the Coastal Journal in Bath, a free weekly newspaper serving the southern Midcoast region.

He is originally from Long Island, New York. He discovered Maine while traveling the country back in the 1970s, and “fell in love with our great state,” he said. In 1999, he and his wife Elaine made Maine their home. Hardina has relocated to Biddeford from Nobleboro and began working for the Journal Tribune Friday, Aug. 1.

“This part of our state is really exciting, and I am thrilled to be here and working for the county’s only daily newspaper,” he said. “I love the newspaper business, and I’ve already met some really nice, genuine people.”

In addition to his professional experience, Hardina is also a lifelong singer-songwriter who plays guitar and said he likes to fish, hike, write, eat great seafood and “accomplish great things.” He has an 11-year-old daughter whom he adores, he said.

Sample News Group is a family-owned publishing company with other newspapers and printing operations located in Maine, New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Hardina is replacing veteran publisher Jim Freeland, who has been promoted to regional manager for Sample News Group New England.