Augusta, Ga. -- The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal today named Twila Aufill to the new position of general manager, effective immediately.

Aufill has been an employee of the newspaper for 39 years, beginning as an inside classified advertising representative. Within three months, Aufill moved to the business department where she was named business manager in 1970 and division controller in 1990.

"Our company is very fortunate to have a person with Twila's knowledge and experience in an expanded leadership role," said Will Morris, president of Morris Communications Corp., parent company of Avalanche-Journal. "We appreciate her significant contribution to the newspaper and to the Lubbock community."

"Twila is an outstanding individual and a respected professional. She is highly deserving of this distinction," said Jim Currow, vice president of metro newspapers for Morris.

Morris Communications is a privately held media company with diversified holdings that include newspaper and magazine publishing, outdoor advertising, radio broadcasting, book publishing and distribution, and computer services. For more information see the company's Web site at www.morris.com.