Will Whaley has been named managing editor of The Selma Times Journal, Selma The Magazine, selmatimesjournal.com and its affiliated publications. He replaces Justin Averette, who left the newspaper in January to begin work for Alabama Power Company. Whaley, a native of Fayette, spent the last two years working for the Jackson [AL] County Sentinel as the only full-time staff writer for the newspaper. While there, he received the Alabama Press Association’s first-ever Emerging Journalist Award, which was designed to recognize journalists 30-years old and younger who exemplify excellence in journalism and who are helping shape community journalism in Alabama.
“We are thrilled to have Will join our staff in Selma and appreciate what he will contribute to our community’s newspaper,” said Times-Journal publisher Dennis Palmer.

“Will has a passion for community journalism and I know he will work hard to deliver a quality news product that accurately reflects the people who call Selma and Dallas County home.”

Whaley, 28, is a graduate of the University of North Alabama in Florence where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in communication with an emphasis in print and online journalism and a minor in political science.

“I am excited and honored to be here in this position,” said Whaley. “It is a new experience being the managing editor, and I’m happy to take this next step in my career.”

The Selma Times Journal is a part of Tuscaloosa based Boone Newspapers, Inc., which owns or manages 82 community newspapers and 49 magazines in 12 states.

Whaley can be reached by email at will.whaley@selmatimesjournal.com.