Kendra Majors has been named publisher and editor of The Andalusia Star-News and its associated media products.

Majors returns to Andalusia from Brewton, where she most recently was publisher of The Brewton Standard. She previously worked for The Andalusia Star-News in several capacities including creative director, magazine editor and reporter.

She also has worked for The Luverne Journal, The Lowndes Signal, and The Troy Messenger.

She replaces Michele Gerlach, who has accepted a new job.

“I have loved working with The Star-News for the past 13 years,” Gerlach said. “I appreciate the hard work and collaboration of many talented co-workers through those years, and the support of our readers and advertisers. But I could not be more excited about my new opportunity, which will be announced in the near future.

“Kendra brings a tremendous work ethic and a commitment to quality to her work,” Gerlach said. “She has done a good job in Brewton, and is deserving of this opportunity. I know she will work hard to produce quality products in Andalusia.”

“Michele is among the top reporters, editors and publishers in Alabama,” said Jim Boone, chairman of Boone Newspapers. “She has been a key leader in our company and our profession, and we will miss her. Her decision to make a change will better enable her to help with family needs and we admire her for that decision.

“We welcome Kendra back to The Star-News, an opportunity she is prepared for and deserves,” Boone concluded.

A Brantley native, Majors earned a bachelor’s degree in print journalism and art from Troy University in May 2008. She served as editor and staff writer of the student newspaper, The Tropolitan, for four years.

She also has experience as a graphic designer, and interned at PowerSouth Energy Cooperative in its corporate communications department.

While in Andalusia, Majors served on the board of directors of the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce, and as a member of the Covington County Children’s Policy Council. She is a former president of the Andalusia Lions Club, and continues to serve on the Covington Region Honor Flight board.

“I’m excited to be in Andalusia, and I look forward to getting involved in the community and working to produce quality publications that represent the wonderful people here,” Majors said. “Being a community journalist is something I embraced years ago, and I understand the importance community journalism plays in communities like Andalusia and all of Covington County. I look forward to being back.”

Majors and her daughter, Kenleigh, who is 9, plan to relocate to Andalusia in the near future.