PORTLAND – Eric Conrad was named managing editor of the Portland Press Herald and Maine Sunday Telegram on Tuesday.

Conrad, 39, has been serving as acting managing editor since Curt Hazlett left the newspaper in December.

“Eric has distinguished himself as an editor with drive, talent, conviction and heart,” said Jeannine A. Guttman, editor and vice president. “With Eric’s leadership, I know that our local news report will become stronger, more urgent and more relevant.”

Since joining the newspaper in 1995, Conrad has held positions ranging from city editor and assistant managing editor for sports.

During his tenure as head of the sports department, the Associated Press Sports Editors named the Telegram’s sports section one of the 10 best in the country among newspapers its size.

As city editor, Conrad oversaw the coverage of events including the ice storm of 1998 and the oil spill in Portland Harbor. He also edited investigative projects that examined issues such as mercury pollution.

The Cape Elizabeth resident holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.