ROCKPORT — Kathleen Fleury, the new editor-in-chief of Down East Magazine, the publication’s first female editor in its 60-year history. I talked with her about the job, her career and what it takes to run a magazine.

You are the first female editor of Down East. How does it feel?

“It feels great. I beat Hillary Clinton, so it’s great. I think I will bring a bit of a different perspective not only being a woman, but also being a mother. I have a two-year-old and being a parent you experience much of the magic of Maine through your child’s eyes. Lots of newsstand buyers of the magazine are women traditionally and I look forward to bringing a feminine perspective. I don’t see a lot of dramatic changes; we’re not going to turn into Family Circle, or anything like that, but I can see some female touches here and there to help bring in a woman’s perspective.”

Did you really beat Hillary Clinton?

“Well, at least to the top, just to the top. No I didn’t, but I think it’s exciting when a woman takes a position that’s never been held by a woman. And I’m really proud to be able to claim on my resume that I’m the first woman to claim that position at the helm here.”

Tell us about your background.

“I grew up in Yarmouth, graduated high school and went to Middlebury College in Vermont, where I majored in English and Spanish. From there, I went to the Columbia Publishing Course in New York City. I worked for a literary agency and then went to Random House in New York, where I edited cookbooks with a lot of the Food Network stars. I had a lot of exposure to cookbooks, the publishing world and food, in general.

“I decided New York City was not for me and at the ripe old age of 24, moved to Camden and took the job as assistant editor. That was in November 2007. I was so excited because at the time, no one on staff wanted to cover food, and it was such an exciting time for Maine food that I was just thrilled.

And how do you like the area? Do people like you?

“I hope people like me. I have found so many great friends. When I was growing up in Yarmouth, I never thought I would live north of Brunswick. And now there’s no way I would move back down to Yarmouth because I’ve fallen so much in love with the area.

“I remember when I lived in New York City there was a turn where I would look back and see the cityscape and my stomach would just drop. Now, there is a turn in Warren,where I look back and see the Camden Hills. I get a big smile on my face because I feel so at home here. It sounds kind of corny, but my soul feels at peace. And the people here are so fantastic. The community has been so welcoming. I play tennis and was welcomed into the tennis community. My partner is a tennis pro and having a two-year-old I can’t think of a better place to raise a child.”

What is probably the hardest task, or goal to meet, with putting out a monthly magazine?

“Deadlines are always difficult. Sometimes you have to wrestle them to the ground. For me, the hardest thing is finding the right balance in every issue. It’s kind of like a puzzle and you have different kinds of articles for different kinds of readers, so it’s really about balance. Our challenge every issue is to find just the right note. Most times we sing it proudly and other times we might not hit it perfectly, but it’s always fun to approach that balance. It’s kind of like infinity, you never quite get there, but it’s always a challenge and the enthusiasm is the fun part of the job.”

How far in advance to do plan out the issues?

“As far in advance as we possibly can. Sometimes, we have to shoot a year out because we’re so seasonal. I already have assignments out for next fall. That doesn’t mean I know what’s in the October issue next year, but I do have an idea of some of the major photographic features. And then six months out we really try to refine what we’re going to include. And then sometimes it’s a few weeks before the issue goes to print we’re saying, what are we going to fit in that slot, we still don’t have a house to cover, or the right restaurant for the mix. It’s as I spoke about the puzzle: Sometimes at the last minute you’re saying this piece doesn’t work and here’s why and here’s what you need. It can be a scramble and those days are super exciting and thrilling.”

How does it work for ideas?

“Our staff is incredible. We have an extremely talented group of writers, editors and designers. The magazine is only as good as their ideas and talents. Personally, I think we’re the best team we’ve ever had and it’s so fun to work with them because I don’t have to come up with all the ideas; we all do. It’s a fun collaboration and sometimes it can get a little feisty, but that’s creativity. What’s so great about it is everyone cares so much and is so passionate about publishing and what we do and the subject matter.”

Make a comment in general about yourself and Down East.

“I’m really just so excited. This coming year is our 60th anniversary and I think the magazine is in a great place. Despite rumors to the contrary, print is not dying. The obituary has been written, but it hasn’t run. Print is alive and well and we’re still really relevant. It’s so exciting to be at the helm of an organization that has become synonymous with Maine. I view it as a platform to do good and make our state better, by promoting it and sharing the wonderful stories of the people and places that comprise it.”