Kevin Pearcey, 32, has been named Group Managing Editor of Greenville Newspapers, LLC.

Since January, Pearcey has served as Managing Editor of the Luverne Journal, one of four weekly newspapers produced by Greenville Newspapers, including the Greenville Advocate, Lowndes Signal and Butler County News.

Pearcey, a native of Greenville, graduated from Troy State University with a BA in English and minor in journalism.

"It's great to be home again," said Pearcey. "I never thought a career in journalism would bring me back to Greenville, so I'm extremely excited for this opportunity. I'm looking forward to leading a talented news staff in serving – not only Butler County – but Crenshaw and Lowndes counties as well."

Pearcey replaces Jay Thomas, who resigned in August to take a position in publications with Georgia Tech University.

"Jay taught me a lot while I was in Luverne about producing a quality newspaper," said Pearcey. "I plan to live up to his example and uphold the high standards set by Jay and our publisher Dennis Palmer."

Palmer said he's confident Pearcey will excel in his expanded role.

"Kevin's history is to do whatever it takes to cover the news, and I know he'll do the same in managing the editorial staff of Greenville Newspapers," Palmer said. Given the fact that he's a Butler County native, he knows the territory here as well as many of the faces he'll be writing about."

Pearcey is a former writer and sports editor of the Troy Messenger and also spent two years working as a publications specialist in the non-profit sector. Following graduation from Greenville High School, Pearcey spent four years in the US Navy, serving onboard the USS George Washington.

Pearcey can be reached at the Advocate office or by email: kevin.pearcey@greenvilleadvocate.com.