David Perry, editor-in-chief of the University of North Carolina Press, is retiring. The industry veteran, who started at UNC Press in 1979 as an editorial assistant, will be stepping down in March 2013.

Perry has been UNC's editor-in-chief since 1995 and has focused on the categories of history and southern studies, specifically books about the Civil War and military history titles. On the occasion, Perry said: "Others have reported that retirement from something one loves is a bittersweet experience, and I am starting to understand that now. I have been fortunate to be able to spend virtually my entire working life in a rewarding job, surrounded by dedicated colleagues and working with wonderful and committed authors, many of whom I now count among my best friends."