AUGUSTA, Ga.— Kate Cooper Metts has been named publisher of Augusta magazine and its group of publications. The announcement was made this week by William S. Morris IV, chief executive officer of Morris Publishing Group and president of Morris Communications Co., and Julian Miller, president of The Augusta Chronicle, who supervises the magazine group published under the auspices of the Chronicle.

Metts has served as general manager of Augusta magazine since 2003. Under her guidance, the magazine expanded from six to eight issues in 2004 and received award recognition from the Magazine Association of the Southeast. She has also had oversight of Deals Direct, a direct mail coupon magazine, and Lounge, a new magazine and Web site that cater to young Augusta professionals. Additionally, she has been directing the Augusta operation of skirt! magazine since it was introduced into the market in March 2004.

Metts joined the Chronicle in 1986 as a reporter. She later held the positions of Newspaper in Education coordinator, promotions manager and marketing director before joining the advertising department in 1997. She was promoted through six advertising management positions before her promotion to general manager of Augusta magazine.

"Kate has demonstrated undeniable leadership skills during her years with the company," Morris said. "We look forward to Kate's guiding Augusta magazine and the other publications in her group to even greater success in the years ahead."

"We have no doubt that the publications under Kate will continue to expand and improve and that the staff working for them will develop and grow. She has a history of encouraging both," Miller said. "It was only natural that she would assume the role of publisher."

Morris Publishing Group was formed in 2001 and assumed the operations of the newspaper business segment of its parent, Morris Communications Co. LLC. Morris Publishing Group publishes 26 daily, 12 nondaily and 23 free community newspapers in the United States.

CONTACT:
Michael Parsons
706-823-3533
michael.parsons@morris.com