BAINBRIDGE- Laurie Gay has been named publisher of The Post-Searchlight in Bainbridge, Ga.

Gay, who succeeds John Wells, first began her career at the Moultrie Observer in 1991 as an ad representative. She was later promoted to Ad Manager in 2016, before being named General Manager in 2018. After years of working solely at the Moultrie Observer, Gay was named Group Publisher of the Valdosta Daily Times, the Tifton Gazette, the Moultrie Observer, and the Thomasville Times-Enterprise in 2022.

The opportunity to work in Bainbridge is a special one for Gay, who spent her childhood there.

“I am thrilled and honored to be named Publisher of the Post- Searchlight, a newspaper that holds a special place in my heart,” she said. “Growing up in Bainbridge, I have always understood the importance of community and local journalism. This opportunity allows me to give back to my hometown and help shape the narrative of the community I love.”

With a new newspaper to guide, Gay said she looks forward to continuing a longstanding tradition of excellence.

“I look forward to working with the talented team at the Post- Searchlight and continuing to deliver quality news and stories that matter to our readers,” she concluded.

The Post- Searchlight is owned by Carpenter Media Group, which purchased the Thomasville Times- Enterprise and five other newspapers in Georgia from CNHI earlier this year.

Carpenter Media Group Vice President Betty J. Ramsey shared, “The commitment this team shows to each other, and the community we serve, is unwavering.  Laurie brings that same commitment with her. Our readers, customers and The Post-Searchlight team are in the best of hands under Gay’s leadership,”