Two weeks ago, I asked David Clemons to place an order for new business cards as I was running low on the supply I was provided when I was first hired by The Covington News nearly two years ago. It is crazy to think I’ve handed out 500 cards in under two years.
That being said, the cards were ordered and I moved on with my day.
Since then, my title with The Covington News has changed and I am in need, yet again, of new business cards.
Patrick Graham and David Clemons asked me to join them for coffee in Monroe a little over a week ago. Staffing changes had recently taken place at our sister publication, The Walton Tribune, and my mind was racing about what this coffee conversation could possibly be about.
I was shocked and completely honored when Patrick told me I was being considered for a promotion into the role of editor and publisher of The News. That is a lot to take in before 9 a.m. Earlier this week, it was announced that I was officially offered and accepted the position and I am now knee-deep in the new responsibilities that come with role.
I have a passion for community journalism. I have never been the type of journalist that wanted to move to a bigger paper. I enjoy being able to run into someone I’ve written a story about at the grocery store (that happened twice this week, actually) and I love becoming part of the community I cover.
That being said, taking on the role of publisher at a newspaper has always been in my mind as the next step for my career. I have fallen in love with Covington and the Newton County community and I am excited for the chance to continue my career here.
The Covington News has seen a lot of changes over the past year. The paper was purchased by Patrick in September of last year, and since then we’ve implemented changes that have continued to improve our newspaper product, while also introducing new publications along the way.
I’ve said it before in this space, but it is a complete honor to be invited into your home each week and I hope to continue to produce a product you enjoy.
Jackie Gutknecht is the editor and publisher of The Covington News. She can be reached at jgutknecht@covnews.com or 770-728-14009. Twitter: @jackieg1991
