Tina Ruffin, a native of Brookhaven, has joined the staff of The Daily Leader as an advertising consultant.

“Tina’s vast experience in marketing will make her a great addition to our staff,” Advertising Manager Kristi Carney said. “Exciting things are happening in the advertising department at The Daily Leader, and we look forward to helping our local businesses prosper and grow with the team we have built.”

Ruffin recently returned home after 18 years to help take care of her father after her mother’s death.

Ruffin’s position at The Daily Leader is a special one for her — her father, Kenneth Cothern, worked as advertising manager at the newspaper for many years.

“He’s very excited,” she said. “He feels like I’m following in his footsteps.”

Ruffin and her 11-year-old daughter, Riley, are settling into their new location. She said she looks forward to reconnecting with old friends and seeing family on a regular basis.

“I’m going to steal a quote from ‘Wizard of Oz,’ — ‘There’s no place like home,’” she said.

Ruffin comes to the job with many years of experience in sales, particularly the healthcare market.

“Everyday is a challenge, but it’s different,” she said. “There’s no monotony.”

Ruffin can be reached at 601-506-1238 or tina.ruffin@dailyleader.com.