WordSouth Restructures Staff to Position Company for Growth
Rainsville, AL (PRWEB) March 27, 2014 -- A leading content marketing and custom publishing company serving the rural utilities market has announced a realignment of its staff. “The changes we are announcing today will position us to respond to growth while continuing to deliver service that is second-to-none in the industries we serve,” says Stephen V. Smith, founder and president of WordSouth — A Content Marketing Company. “We have been blessed with a staff of extremely talented people, and this realignment puts them into positions where they can help our company’s growth.”
Andy Johns, a content manager for WordSouth since 2011, has been promoted to managing editor of the Regional Telco Magazine, a consumer magazine WordSouth publishes for the rural telecommunications industry. In his new role, Johns coordinates the overall editorial process for the publication.
"WordSouth has always been a company that supports innovation, and I think this is another example of that,” says Johns. “It’s great to have the trust and support of the company’s owners as they work to improve our system. I look forward to helping WordSouth expand the Regional Telco Magazine and helping more rural telecommunications companies tell their important story.”
Prior to joining WordSouth, Johns spent six years in the newspaper industry writing for the Rome (Ga.) News-Tribune, the Anniston (Ala.) Star and the Chattanooga (Tenn.) Times-Free Press. He graduated from Berry College with a degree in communications and later graduated with his MBA from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Jared Dovers, operations manager for WordSouth, has been promoted to managing editor of the company’s electric utility division. In his new role, Dovers oversees production of all publications for WordSouth’s electric utility clients. He will also continue to be responsible for all Web design projects for the company.
“WordSouth’s greatest strength is our ability to help our clients tell their stories,” says Dovers. “Since joining the company, I have helped electric utilities share their message and educate consumers on the challenges facing this essential industry. I am honored to be able to do that on a larger scale, and I appreciate the confidence WordSouth has placed in me to help grow the electric utility division.”
A native of Scottsboro, Ala., Dovers has worked at WordSouth since 2010. He holds a Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Tex. His varied experience prior to joining WordSouth includes public heath, microbiology research and communications support in the municipal electric industry.
“Andy and Jared both have shown tremendous skill and drive in every arena,” says Smith. “We are confident they will meet the challenges of their roles, and are excited to see them grow personally as they help WordSouth meet and exceed its potential in the markets we serve.”
The other members of the WordSouth team include:
Kerry Scott — Scott has been part of WordSouth since 2005. Through the years, she has held many different titles and responsibilities. Her primary responsibility is serving as a content manager for Regional Telco Magazine participants in Alabama. Scott’s writing, design and photography skills are also put to work on various other projects, for clients in both the telecommunications and electric utility industries. Her background includes experience in both the banking and bookkeeping industries.
Brian Lazenby — Lazenby joined WordSouth in 2012 as a content manager. He works with Regional Telco Magazine participants in Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky. A graduate of Jacksonville State University with a degree in English and History, Lazenby’s work before joining WordSouth includes that of a news reporter for the Anniston Star and the Chattanooga Times-Free Press. He also worked in media relations at Memorial Healthcare System in Chattanooga.
Patrick Smith — A native of Bloomington, Ill., Smith joined WordSouth as a content manager in 2013. He works with Regional Telco Magazine participants in Tennessee and Kentucky. A graduate of Western Kentucky University’s photojournalism program, Smith spent seven years as videographer and staff photographer for the Chattanooga Times-Free Press before joining WordSouth.
Elizabeth Wootten — As administrative assistant, Wootten has administrative and editorial responsibilities at WordSouth. She creates projects and print orders, and serves as the liaison between the mail house and Regional Telco Magazine participants. She also manages daily office operations and provides administrative support to the president. From an editorial standpoint, Wootten writes articles, provides research and serves as a copyeditor. Wootten, who joined WordSouth in 2012, will graduate Athens State University in May with a Bachelor's in English.
Beth Garrett — Garrett joined WordSouth earlier this year as marketing coordinator. Her responsibilities range from project management to social media, helping coordinate marketing and public relations efforts for WordSouth and its clients. She recently graduated from The University of Alabama with a degree in commerce and business administration. While at the university, Garrett completed an internship with an online company where she managed blog content and content contributors.
WordSouth was formed on New Years Day 1996 by Stephen V. Smith and his wife Michele Smith, on the foundation of Stephen’s years of management and newspaper experience. Michele’s early responsibilities included graphic design and bookkeeping, roles she continues to play today. The husband and wife team has worked the past 18 years to build a company with a reputation for offering quality editorial and design services to telecommunications companies and electric utilities across several states.
WordSouth engages the power of content marketing to help rural utilities connect with their communities. The company produces custom content, such as magazines, brochures, annual reports and bill inserts, through an all-encompassing approach that saves clients both time and money. For more information about WordSouth, visit the company website at http://www.wordsouth.com.
Stephen V. Smith, WordSouth — A Content Marketing Company, http://www.wordsouth.com, +1 256-638-8856, [email protected]
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