NEWTON, N.C. (WHKY) — Catawba County has hired a local newspaper editor to lead its public information and education efforts. Virginia Annable will become the county’s communications and marketing director October 19.

Annable will work in the County Manager’s Office, helping residents learn about county services, programs and priorities.

She brings more than a decade of local and regional journalism experience, most recently serving as editor of the Hickory Daily Record and other Lee Enterprises regional newspapers.

Her career with Lee Enterprises has included reporting on city and county government, investigative reporting, and leadership positions as an editor and managing editor. Her work has included the Hickory Daily Record, The News Herald, The McDowell News, Statesville Record & Landmark and Mooresville Tribune.

Before those positions, Annable reported for the Lenoir News-Topic and WUFT News, an NPR and PBS affiliate in Gainesville, Florida.

County Manager Mary Furtado said Annable’s experience sharing information and connecting with the public will help the county reach and engage residents. Annable said her local news career taught her the importance of local government and that she looks forward to helping people stay informed and connected.

Annable holds a master’s degree in digital communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Florida. She lives in Morganton with her husband.