Justin Averette, 28, has been named publisher of The Demopolis Times, demopolistimes.com and the Blackbelt Gazette.

He has served the past three years as managing editor of The Clanton Advertiser and Peach Living magazine in Clanton. Prior to that, he worked as news editor of the Shelby County Reporter in Columbiana.

The Demopolis Times and The Clanton Advertiser are both part of the Boone Newspapers, Inc. organization which is based in Tuscaloosa.

Averette is a Greensboro native and graduate of the University of Montevallo where he studied journalism and English.

“I’m excited about this opportunity and look forward to becoming part of the Demopolis community. Growing up nearby, I’ve visited Demopolis over the years and am eager to learn more about Marengo County and the people who live here,” Averette said. “I also look forward to working alongside the Times’ staff as we work to produce a quality local newspaper that meets its every obligation to Demopolis and Marengo County, and in which the community can be proud.”

Averette is a member of the Clanton Lions Club, where he served as secretary this past year, and on the board of directors for the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce and the Chilton County Humane Society.

He will begin work in the Demopolis office on Tuesday, July 10.