Erich Hilkert officially joined the staff of The Atmore Advance this week and will be serving the community in the role of sports editor.

Hilkert is a native of McDonough, Ga. He graduated from Eagles Landing High School in 2002. In 2007, he graduated from Georgia State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in both film/video and psychology. In 2012, he received his Masters of Arts in community journalism from the University of Alabama.

Hilkert has spent time working for the University of Alabama’s student publication, The Crimson White, as well as The Tuscaloosa News and The Anniston Star.

“I’m excited to be the new sports editor at the Advance,” Hikert said. “I’m excited about meeting people in the community and doing the best job I can.”