HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Longtime Kentucky New Era newsroom employee Jennifer Brown has been named editor at the Hopkinsville newspaper.

The newspaper reports that Brown was promoted to the position after working at the paper for 24 years, beginning as an intern.

Brown, 47, grew up in Hopkinsville and has served over the years as assistant lifestyles editor, lifestyles editor, senior staff writer and deputy editor.

She has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Murray State University, where she now teaches news writing classes, and a master's of fine arts in creative nonfiction from Goucher College in Baltimore.

Brown replaces Laura Noeth, who served as editor from January 2005 until April.

Publisher Taylor Hayes says Brown's integrity, passion and local upbringing will be an asset to the paper.