The Covington News has made several changes over the past month as it continues to strive toward being Newton County's definitive source for local news. Those changes include the appointment of a new editor and the addition of several key members to both the advertising and editorial teams.

Josh Briggs has been promoted to editor and will lead the editorial staff as it continues its mission to keep Newton County residents continually informed. Briggs, who began his career with The News as an education reporter in 2008, has served as sports editor from late 2008 until recently when he took over the top editorial position in February.

Briggs served in the U.S. Army for four years before attending Georgia State University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism.
"We're excited to have Josh in this role as editor and are confident we will continue to grow the product under his leadership," publisher Charles Hill Morris Jr. said. "He's done an excellent job as our sports editor the past few years, and we are looking forward to him and the editorial staff further improving the paper."

The News also hired Diane Barber to lead the advertising department as director of revenue. Barber brings with her more than two decades of sales and marketing experience as a former AT&T executive and will be instrumental in building business relationships throughout the community.

The newsroom also welcomes Rachel Goff as news editor and Bryan Fazio as sports editor. Goff is a graduate of Kennesaw State University and has spent the past year at the Calhoun Times in Calhoun, Ga. where she was both a reporter and news editor. Fazio has spent the past two years at the Rockdale News in the same capacity after spending four years as a sports writer at the Valdosta Daily Times.

"I am very excited at the changes and, of course, the opportunity to lead this newspaper from the editorial side," Briggs said. "We have made some great changes. I am pleased with the additions to the editorial department and am already seeing what Diane can bring. I am grateful to Charles and (general manager) T. Pat (Cavanaugh) for this opportunity and will surely make the most of it."