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Robert Blankenship has been named the regional publisher of the Atmore Advance, Brewton Standard, Andalusia Star-News and all affiliated print and digital products.

Blankenship, who grew up in Russellville, is a 25-year veteran of community journalism having served as reporter, editor, general manager and publisher of multiple publications. Most recently, Blankenship served as the publisher and editor for The Demopolis Times and Blackbelt Gazette in Demopolis.

He began his newspaper career with Boone Newspapers Inc. (BNI), which owns The Atmore Advance, as a part-time writer at his hometown newspaper, The Franklin County Times, while attending the University of North Alabama, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

BNI also provided him his first full-time opportunity as a staff writer at The Greenville Advocate. In 1999, he was named managing editor at The Atmore Advance and later served in the same capacity with The Brewton Standard. He went on to serve as editor of The Daily Corinthian in Corinth, Miss., the general manager of The Leeds News and St. Clair News Aegis, both weekly newspapers in Alabama, and served four years as general manager and editor of the Rensselaer Republican in Rensselaer, Ind.

“My family and I are very excited to return to South Alabama,” Blankenship said. “We have fond memories of our time in Escambia County and look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones.”

Blankenship is replacing Kendra Majors who is now serving as regional editor for The Greenville Advocate and The Demopolis Times.

“Robert has a long history of producing quality community newspaper journalism and we’re pleased and excited on his acceptance as regional publisher of Andalusia, Atmore and Brewton,” said BNI Senior Vice President Dennis Palmer. “Robert and his family plan to put down roots and become quickly involved in and support the communities they will call home.”

Blankenship’s first day in Atmore was Aug. 24.

“I look forward to working with the community to publish a newspaper that reflects the many positive attributes of Atmore. The people and stories of our city will be the priority as we build upon the long history of quality print and digital products offered by the Advance,” Blankenship said.

Blankenship is married to Melissa Blankenship and they have two children, Samuel, 18, and Emma, 10.