Demopolis Times publisher Justin Averette has been named editor of The Selma Times-Journal. The Selma Times-Journal and The Demopolis Times are both affiliated with Boone Newspapers, Inc., of Tuscaloosa.

Averette, a native of Greensboro, has been publisher of the Times since June 2012.

“My time in Demopolis has been very rewarding. I’ve met some amazing people and take with me many friendships,” Averette said. “I look forward to this great opportunity in Selma — Alabama’s oldest daily newspaper and certainly one of its best, too. I’m humbled and excited to join the team there.”

During Averette’s time in Demopolis, the newspaper launched a redesign in 2012 and Demopolis The Magazine in 2013.

The Times also won more than 15 Alabama Press Association awards for news, opinion, sports and feature writing as well as photography and presswork. The newspaper earned Freedom of Information Act awards for investigative reporting in 2013 and 2014.

Averette has served on the board of directors for the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce and the Two Rivers Arts Council.

He is a member of the Demopolis Rotary Club and Trinity Episcopal Church, where he is on the vestry.

He is also involved with Kairos Prison Ministry, working at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility near Bessemer and on Alabama’s death row.

This past year, Averette served as president of the Alabama Press Association’s Journalism Foundation, which supports journalism education through scholarships, grants to university and high school newspapers and internships.

“I’m excited about Justin joining the staff of The Selma Times-Journal and becoming a member of the Selma – Dallas County community,” said Times-Journal publisher and BNI Vice President Dennis Palmer. “Justin’s community minded approach to journalism and his enthusiasm for making a contribution to and for the community he serves makes him a great addition to the newspaper.”

Averette will begin work in Selma on Monday, Sept. 29.

Matthew Cole remains with the Times newsroom as do Shelby Campbell and Bernice McAlpine in advertising.