FRANKLIN—Veteran journalist Gwen Albers has joined The Tidewater News as managing editor.

A Pennsylvania native who recently moved to the area from North Idaho, Albers has worked for daily and weekly newspapers for 25 years. Most of her career has been spent in small towns.

“When I arrived in Franklin, I knew it would be a perfect fit for me,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed sharing the stories of people who live in small towns.”

Albers has a bachelor’s degree in English from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania and master’s in journalism from Ohio University in Athens. She most recently served as editor and general manager of the Bonners Ferry Herald in Idaho.

She succeeds Jena Passut, who resigned last month.

“We are fortunate to hire a journalist of Gwen’s caliber to lead our news operation,” said Publisher Steve Stewart. “She understands community journalism and the close relationship we have with our readers. I expect our news coverage to become even more people-focused and for the quality of our news products to continue to improve under Gwen’s leadership.”

Albers spent most of her career with newspapers in Pennsylvania, including the Erie Times-News. She has also taught college-level writing and journalism classes.

She enjoys traveling, hunting, fishing, hiking, gardening and photography.