There’s a new hand at the wheel of the Starkville Daily News.
Stacia King recently assumed the role of publisher for Starkville’s oldest daily print newspaper, along with the same role for the Daily Times Leader in West Point.
King, 51, takes the place of longtime publisher Don Norman, who retired earlier this month.
“Starkville and West Point are vibrant and exciting communities with a lot to offer,” King said. “I am thrilled to be back in a college town. Especially the home of Mississippi State University. I certainly picked the best time of year with football season in full swing.”
King comes to Starkville from La Crosse, Wisconsin, where she served as general manager and regional advertising director for the River Valley Media Group.
Prior to her time in Wisconsin, the native of Columbus, Ohio, worked as the advertising and digital sales director for Mississippi Media and the Clarion-Ledger in Jackson.
When asked about the role had by a daily newspaper in a community like Starkville, King said the newspaper’s staff has the privilege to work hand-in-glove with business and community leaders on a daily basis to help grow the local economy.
“Couple that with our responsibility to gather and report on the news that impacts the lives of our residents and readers and it makes this profession extremely rewarding,” she said.
King is a graduate of Ohio University, where she received a bachelor’s in journalism with an advertising specialization and graphic design and philosophy minors
In addition to her professional interests, King said she enjoys learning, traveling, art, swimming, yoga and spending time with family and friends - including her three nephews and husband Bryan.
King has also been an involved member of the community in every place she has lived. This includes serving on the Dahl School of Business Advisory Board for Viterbo University and as the president-elect for the 7 Rivers Alliance for economic development in Iowa,
Minnesota and Wisconsin.
She has also spent time on the Board of Directors for Volunteer Greater Jackson and was the Executive Coach for Michigan State University’s Sales Specialization Program while in Lansing, Michigan.
“I believe in serving the community where I live and work and can't wait to get involved,” King said. “I have been fortunate to serve as a mentor in several leadership development programs and find coaching and mentoring both energizing and fulfilling.”