I want to introduce myself to you a little bit.
I am originally from a small town in Alabama called Kimberly. It used to be a town of several hundred, but being a suburb of Birmingham, it has grown to over 4,000 residents according to the latest Census estimates.
I went to the University of Alabama-Birmingham and studied communications studies. After I left there, I started my journalism career in a small-town newspaper at The Leeds News, another community newspaper outside of the Birmingham area. I was a sports reporter who also covered news beats and learned photography, as you must do working for a small weekly newspaper.
From there, I went on to the Clanton Advertiser, the peach country of Alabama, where I was a sports editor and later managing editor. It was also my first taste of daily newspapers. I then served as managing editor of The Alexander City Outlook before going to north Alabama to be managing editor in Hartselle, Alabama.
Then in 2015, Emmerich Newspapers gave me the opportunity to serve as a publisher of The Newton County Appeal in Union, Mississippi, a position I served in until March 2024, when I went to the Selma Times-Journal.
I wasn’t looking to move so quickly, but when I was offered the chance to come to Greenwood, Mississippi, and follow Tim Kalich, it was an opportunity I could not pass up.
I am happy to be here and to be a part of one of the best newspapers in the United States, much less Mississippi. I appreciate Wyatt Emmerich and Dan Strack for allowing me to have this opportunity to serve here in Greenwood.
Being a part of Emmerich, I had the pleasure of following Tim Kalich and reading his editorials each week. We ran them many times at my newspaper down in Newton County.
At press conventions, I had the opportunity to visit with Tim and Betty Gail whether they were at awards luncheons, Emmerich publisher meetings or publisher dinners. I have nothing but great things to say about Tim.
My goal here following Tim as publisher is to continue like nothing has changed. We will continue to put out a great newspaper, magazine and other special editions that you are used to seeing from our brand.
Tim left the Commonwealth in great shape. As you already know, he was very detailed and organized. All of the information is easily accessible either on his computer or in the filing cabinet here in the publisher’s office.
We have a great news staff led by managing editor Ruthie Robison. I am also learning as much as I can from advertising manager Larry Alderman prior to his retirement later this month. I am trying to absorb and process that information. It will likely take weeks, if not months, to learn all of that.
Tim left big shoes to fill, and I will do my best to fill them in the best way I can. I look forward to meeting you as well over the next weeks and months as I get connected with the community.
You can always call, text or visit me here at the Commonwealth if I can help you.
Thank you in advance for your support as we move forward with this transition.
Brent Maze is the editor and publisher of The Greenwood Commonwealth. Contact him at 662-453-5312 or bmaze@gwcommonwealth.com.
