MS Coast native named to lead Sun Herald news coverage as senior editor
Mississippi Coast native Justin Mitchell has been named senior editor of the Sun Herald.
In his new role, Mitchell will oversee daily news coverage for the multi-media company.
Mitchell joined the Sun Herald in 2012 as a digital intern after graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, where he was editor of the student newspaper, The Student Printz.
“I’ve had the honor to watch Justin grow as a journalist for 10 years and I have no doubt he’s the right person for the job,” said Blake Kaplan, the Sun Herald’s executive editor. “Justin brings so much energy and enthusiasm to work each day he just naturally inspires our staff to do great journalism.
“Justin has a unique ability to write great headlines, tell interesting stories and get our content to do well in the digital world.”
Mitchell is stepping into the role previously held by Lauren Walck, now executive editor of McClatchy’s Bradenton Herald in Florida. Mitchell will report to Kaplan.
At the Sun Herald, Mitchell impressed editors from the start. A versatile journalist, he has covered breaking news, worked as a photographer and videographer, and excelled at engaging readers through social media.
Mitchell has served as assistant digital editor, social media editor, and audience growth editor in Biloxi.
He also hosted and created content for “”Out Here in America,” a podcast that explored being LGBTQ+ in rural areas of the Deep South and beyond. He spoke to activists, drag queens, celebrities and survivors of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando. The podcast received a McClatchy President’s Award.
For the past two years, Mitchell has served as the deputy growth editor for 10 McClatchy newsrooms in the Southeast, including the Raleigh News & Observer and Charlotte Observer.
In his audience role, he managed projects, plus led digital strategy and online distribution for special projects in the Southeast.
Mitchell was born in Bay St. Louis and grew up in Kiln.
“I never thought I’d be able to get a job at my hometown newspaper, and having the opportunity to work with the journalists and editors at the Sun Herald for the last decade has been a dream come true,” he said.
“I have called the Mississippi Coast home for most of my life. I’m dedicated to telling the stories of the people and communities here, and am thrilled to be able to partner with the best reporting staff in Mississippi to make make that happen.”
Mitchell said engaging with readers will be a priority.
“You may have noticed we’ve recently published more surveys, polls and forms asking for your advice, input or recommendations. From COVID to recommendations on the best coffee on the Coast, hearing what you have to say is vital to our success.”
Mitchell lives in Bay St. Louis with his partner, Alec McAlarnen, and their dog, Scout. In his free time, he loves photography, reality TV, the Kardashians, and trying new restaurants on the Coast and in New Orleans.
