Clif Lusk, a Mississippi native with 20 years of journalism experience, has been named editor of The Demopolis Times.

Lusk, who began work Monday at The Times, will manage the day-to-day operation of the news product, according to Jonathan McElvy, president and publisher of Boone Publications Inc. and The Demopolis Times.

“Adding a staff member of Clif’s caliber signifies the on-going commitment we’ve made to the Demopolis community and West Alabama,” McElvy said. “We’re extremely fortunate to find a person who understands the role of a community newspaper and has the ability to improve on the work we’ve done at The Times.”

McElvy, who has served as both editor and publisher, will continue to work with the editorial product but will spend more time managing other aspects of the business, including the Marengo, Greene/Hale, Clarke and Wilcox County Shoppers Guides.

Lusk comes to Demopolis from Troy, where he was managing editor of The Messenger, a sister newspaper to The Times. He formerly published the South Mississippi Sports Journal, served as an assistant metro editor of The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Miss., and was assistant publisher for The Magee Courier, Simpson County News and Southwest Rankin Times, based in Magee, Miss.

His work experience also includes serving as public relations director for the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and director of information for the Mississippi Association of Supervisors.

“I’m excited about being in Demopolis and look forward to getting to know our communities,” Lusk said. “I grew up with the belief that a community deserves to have a newspaper that’s reflective of the community, and I look forward to joining The Times’ staff in that endeavor.”

Lusk is a graduate of the University of Mississippi and is married to the former Buffy May. The Lusks have four children, Clifton, 11, Caitie, 6, Mary Lacy, 4 and May Morgan, two months.

“I’m glad Clif got this job because he’s got to support all these kids,” Buffy Lusk said.