Joe Cowart has been named publisher of The Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald in Ahoskie, N.C. Cowart previously served as the advertising director of The Post-Searchlight, a sister newspaper of the News-Herald.

Cowart was also named president of Roanoke-Chowan Publications, LLC, which includes the News-Herald, The Gates County Index, and The Shopper.

“It was a very difficult decision to leave The Post-Searchlight, but I am very excited to advance my career and join the great staff in Ahoskie,” Cowart said. “But at the same time I have some sadness leaving the professionals in Bainbridge and an area we called home for so many years.”

Cowart assumed his new position on Dec. 4, after he and his wife, Debbie, relocated to Ahoksie last week.

“I am very happy for Joey to have earned this great opportunity,” said The Post-Searchlight publisher Jeff Findley. “I had the opportunity to serve the Ahoskie community for four years as publisher of the News-Herald before relocating to Bainbridge and know that Joey will do a wonderful job there.”

In other staffing news, Brennan Leathers has been named digital editor for The Post-Searchlight. In addition to his responsibilities as a reporter, Leathers will add overseeing the various digital products of Bainbridge Media. The company has numerous web sites, including www.thepostsearchlight.com, www.bainbridgelivingmag.com, www.rifleandrod.com and their corresponding Facebook pages and Twitter feeds.

“The modern world demands that community newspapers engage their readers through digital media, as well as traditional print media,” Managing Editor Justin Schuver said. “Brennan’s new responsibilities will allow us to give our readers updated and improved news coverage through our websites, and allow us to complement our already outstanding print products.”