Michael Stremfel last week was promoted to editor of the Los Angeles Business Journal, filling a post that had been vacant for nearly three months.

A 14-year veteran of the Business Journal, Stremfel succeeds Mark Lacter, who resigned in mid-March to accept a position with Forbes magazine. Stremfel previously held the title of deputy managing editor.

“I didn’t feel rushed to hire a new editor because I had a high level of confidence that Mike, along with our other line editors, would continue putting out a top-quality paper and they certainly have done that,” said Matt Toledo, president and publisher of the Business Journal. “After interviewing candidates from across the country, it became clear to me that the best candidate was right here already in place.”

Stremfel, in a brief meeting with the Business Journal news team, said he is looking forward to leading the editorial department.

“Sometimes staying put can provide a more diverse experience than jumping around, and I’ve enjoyed quite a long, rich experience at the Business Journal,” he said. “I’ve learned from all my predecessors, especially Mark Lacter, and plan to work diligently to maintain the Business Journal’s high standards and build on its successful track record.”

Stremfel has won national awards as a reporter, and since joining the editorial department’s management team several years ago, he has played a key role in the paper’s numerous award-winning efforts.

Most recently, the Business Journal on June 4 won three first-place awards from the Los Angeles Press Club Best Team Reporting, Best Investigative Reporting and Best Business Story. (See story below.) Earlier this year, the paper was named one of the five best business weeklies in the nation for an unprecedented third year in a row by the Society of American Business Editors and Writers.

“I’m proud of the talented, dedicated team of journalists in our newsroom,” Stremfel said. “I’ve enjoyed working with them and look forward to continuing to work with them in my new position.”

The day after being named editor, Stremfel promoted both of the Business Journal’s line editors. Dan Turner, formerly a deputy managing editor, was named managing editor. And Danny Pollock, formerly assistant managing editor, was elevated to deputy managing editor.

“Dan and Danny have been invaluable members of our news team, so I didn’t want to waste any time recognizing their contributions,” Stremfel said.

Turner has been with the Business Journal since 1995, starting out as a staff reporter covering the entertainment and advertising industries before being elevated to news editor in 1997. Prior to joining the Business Journal, Turner worked in the San Jose bureau of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Pollock has been with the Business Journal since January 1999. Previously, he was city editor at the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Stremfel joined the Business Journal in 1986.