Andrea Gutierrez has been appointed editor of the Bryan County News. She replaces longtime editor Jeff Whitten, who has retired.

Gutierrez, who has spent the past two months as associate editor of the News, is a 2022 graduate of the University of Georgia’s Henry Grady College of Journalism – long considered one of the elite journalism schools in the U.S.

A Savannah native, Gutierrez attended St. Vincent’s Academy and has long been familiar with Bryan County. In her new role, she will be responsible for all editorial content in the News as well as layout and design of the paper.

Morris Newspaper Corporation Regional Vice President Joe McGlamery believes that Gutierrez will be a great fit for Bryan County News.

“Sometimes, things just work out for the best,” McGlamery said. “I had actually tried to hire Andrea for another of our Southeast Georgia papers, but the travel time was going to be more than she wanted, so when this opening came up, I was certainly glad Andrea was still in the job-market.” “When studying her background, I was happy she had played a major role in the effort by the Henry Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Georgia to help save a local newspaper in Lexington, Ga.,” McGlamery said.

“We could have seen another Georgia county lose its local newspaper, but this group of young journalists went to work and saved a newspaper. That’s the kind of high-energy, can-do young woman Andrea will be for the Bryan County News. I’m happy she is coming in as editor. I predict there will be a love affair between this community and this new leader.”

Gutierrez says she feels “honored” for having been chosen to succeed Whitten, and has high hopes for the future of the publication.

“I am very grateful for this opportunity to serve as Bryan County News’ newest editor,” Gutierrez said.

“It is no secret that local papers are struggling in today’s market, but with my experience working in Lexington, I aim to deliver a high-quality, forward-thinking newspaper to the people of Bryan County.”

Whitten retired as editor after 29 years as a reporter and editor. He will remain with the company on a part-time basis after taking some time off.

“Jeff Whitten has worked with three newspapers in our Southeast Georgia group for almost three decades,” said McGlamery, “I first knew him when he was a sports writer for us at the Effingham Herald, later as an editor in Effingham and at the Coastal Courier in Hinesville and currently editor of the Bryan County News.”

“Jeff is a straight-shooter. He tells it like it is – with no sugar-coating. If Jeff tells you Easter is coming, you can go ahead and dye your eggs,” McGlamery said. “I am so glad he is not fully retiring – he will be on hand to help out our new editor on a part-time basis after spending the next month catching up on his ‘honey-do’ list.”

Whitten said he believes the paper is in good hands with Gutierrez in charge and thanked his employers for keeping the Bryan County News open at a time when so many newspapers are shutting their doors due to the economic climate.

“It’s been an extremely challenging time economically, and I appreciate Charles Morris and Joe McGlamery and the support they’ve given this paper and me over the years,” Whitten said. “I look forward to helping out in the future however I can.”

He also thanked subscribers and advertisers for sticking with the News.

“It means more to me than I can put into words,” Whitten said. “I know Andrea will get the same support from the community.

She’ll give Bryan County the sort of newspaper it deserves.”