By JAN GRIFFEY/Editor

COLUMBIANA — Katie McDowell has been named general manager at Shelby County Newspapers Inc.

McDowell, formerly managing editor, as general manager is now in charge of all aspects of day-to-day operations at the company.

“Katie has made substantial contributions to our organization and its products already,” Publisher Tim Prince said. “Katie’s new role positions her to make even greater contributions in the years to come and will help all of us better serve the community. We are delighted for Katie and excited by the enthusiasm and leadership she brings to this new opportunity.”

Also, Neal Wagner, previously responsible for the Alabaster Reporter and Pelham Reporter, has been named managing editor of the Shelby County Reporter.

“Neal is an excellent journalist and has deep roots in Shelby County,” McDowell said. “In addition to growing up in Helena, he has covered almost every community in Shelby County since joining our company more than four years ago. His enthusiasm and experience make him the perfect choice for managing editor.”

McDowell came to Shelby County Newspapers as lifestyles editor of the Shelby County Reporter and editor of Shelby Living magazine in August 2011 after serving as managing editor of the Alexander City Outlook.

She was named managing editor at Shelby County Newspapers in May 2013.

McDowell earned a bachelor’s degree in English in 2006 and a master’s degree in journalism in 2008, both from the University of Alabama.

Prior to working in Alexander City, she was an assistant editor at Alabama Heritage magazine.

Wagner is a 2003 graduate of Pelham High School and a 2007 graduate of Auburn University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in political science.

Wagner came to the Shelby County Reporter as staff writer in September 2009 from the Columbus (Miss.) Dispatch. He assumed responsibility for the Alabaster and Pelham newspapers in July 2010.