Otis Raybon, editor and publisher of The Daily Leader. announced Thursday the appointment of Julia V. Pendley as News Editor of The Daily Leader.

“I am pleased to have a Brookhaven native assume this important position of leadership in The Daily Leader’s news department. Julia’s knowledge of the community, experience as lifestyles editor and summer intern have positioned her to lead the newsroom. I am confident that our readers will continue to enjoy The Daily Leader as they have in the past. I hope all that know Julia will offer her congratulations and support.”

Pendley will be responsible for the management of day-to-day operations for the newsroom.

She is a 2009 graduate of Brookhaven High School, where she got her first taste journalism serving as editor in chief of the Panther Prints.

Pendley then attended Mississippi State University. From her first semester, she began working as staff writer. She quickly moved up to assistant news editor, news editor and finally managing editor, before switching sides and spending time as advertising manager.

She graduated from State in May with a Bachelor of Art in English.

She has previously interned with the Daily Leader during the summers of 2011 and 2013. She has served as lifestyles editor since graduation.

“I am excited to continue to serve my hometown in this new capacity,” Pendley said. “In my time at the paper, I have worked to showcase the people of the time. As I shift into news, I hope to use the platform help Brookhaven and the area to continually grow and improve.”

Pendley is the daughter of Terry and Deana Pendley of Brookhaven and Richard and Hope Reeves of Maysville, Kentucky.