Window Media has announced  that co- founder Chris Crain is leaving September 15 after almost a decade in charge of editorial operations for the company that publishes the Washington Blade, the Houston Voice, Southern Voice, David-Atlanta Magazine, and the Express Gay News and 411 magazine in South Florida. Crain, who remains a part owner of Window Media, will be relocating to Rio De Janeiro to be with his partner.

Crain conceived and co-founded Window Media after practicing law with the Washington, D.C., firm of Covington & Burling, and the Atlanta firm of Alston & Bird. He edited three award-winning publications while studying at Vanderbilt University and Harvard Law School. He also worked as a general assignment reporter for The Tennessean, Nashville's morning daily newspaper.

"I am extremely proud of the quality journalism we're responsible for at these publications," Crain said. "Ten years ago, my goal was to raise the bar on coverage in the gay press, serving a sophisticated readership and an emerging consumer market. Thanks to a lot of hard work and some extraordinary colleagues, we have succeeded in doing that."

Crain co-founded Window Media with William Waybourn, who retired as the company's president in January, succeeded by Peter Polimino.

"Window Media thanks Chris for bringing such talent, integrity and commitment to the editorial operations of our publications," said Polimino. "He is justifiably proud of their success in setting the standard in the industry."

In his role as Executive Vice President of Editorial Operations, Crain was Executive Editor of all six publications he oversaw. He will be succeeded by the editors of those individual publications, said Polimino.

"I have a great deal of confidence in Window Media's editors, reporters and art directors, most of whom I've worked with for many years," Crain said. "I look forward to reading their work in the future, albeit from a distance."

Crain will be relocating at least temporarily to Rio De Janeiro to be with his partner, who is Brazilian and cannot move to the U.S. because this country's laws do not recognize gay and lesbian relationships for immigration purposes. Brazil is one of 17 countries worldwide that does issue visas to the same-sex partners of its citizens.