Veteran journalist Jena Passut has been named managing editor of The Tidewater News.

She assumed the post this week, succeeding Paul McFarlane as leader of news operations.

Passut, in her new role, is responsible for all news content in the newspaper’s print and electronic editions.

“We are fortunate to hire someone of Jena’s experience and talent to lead our newsroom,” said Steve Stewart, The Tidewater News’ president and publisher. “She understands community journalism and serving readers. I’m excited about the development of our news content under Jena’s leadership.”

Passut is returning to her roots, both personally and professionally. She lived in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake as a child in a military family. And she started her journalism career at small-town newspapers in Georgia, where the focus was on community journalism.

“My favorite part of this business is the daily interaction I have with people from all walks of life,” she said. “I love sharing their stories with readers. Sometimes those stories are heartbreaking or uplifting or maddening, but they can and should be presented in a way that is fair and readable.”

Passut resides in Franklin with her husband, Charlie, and two sons, Charlie, 4, and Jamie, 2.