Loss on our team: Farewell to our treasured coworker at the publisher's office
Obituary: Jim Katocin, Pioneering Vice President of Advertising at City & State
Jim Katocin, a beloved figure in the world of politics and journalism, passed away over the weekend. He was the first employee at City & State, a well-known magazine covering politics and governance in New York City and State, and served as the vice president of advertising for two decades.
Katocin's work ethic and dedication were key factors in the success of City & State. He was known for his gentle and dignified manner, which endeared him to colleagues, clients, and friends. His methodical and caring approach to sales earned him the respect and satisfaction of his clients.
In 2006, Katocin secured a significant win for City & State with the placement of an ad from the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) across from a profile of Mayor Mike Bloomberg. The ad, which read "Run for president? He can't even negotiate a contract with his own police force," was placed in a prime space and caught the attention of the Mayor. The successful PBA ad played a significant role in establishing City Hall as a viable business model.
Following the successful PBA ad, Katocin secured three additional ads from the union communications director. A strong contract was negotiated by the police a few months after the successful PBA ad.
Katocin's first sale for City & State came in August 2006, the third issue of the publication, thanks to his collaboration with Edward-Isaac Dovere, the original editor of City & State. Their efforts, including the creative PBA ad, also contributed to the creation of City & State's newsletter First Read and other offerings.
Tom Allon, Publisher of City & State, acknowledges Katocin's significant contributions to the organization. "Jim was a dedicated and talented professional who played a crucial role in the success of City & State," Allon said. "He will be deeply missed by all of us at City & State, as well as by his many clients and friends."
Katocin's first job in New York was running a fruit stand on the Upper West Side, which he considered the perfect way to break into sales. Before joining City & State, he worked in various sales roles, honing his skills and building a reputation for excellence.
The City & State team, family, friends, and clients will miss Jim Katocin. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and creativity that will be remembered for years to come.
During his tenure at City & State, Jim Katocin demonstrated his expertise in both business and finance, securing significant advertisements that bolstered the magazine's revenue and credibility. For instance, his successful negotiation with the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) led to a series of ads, fortifying the foundation for City & State's emerging business model in the political advertising sphere.
