There are two new faces in the newsroom at the Americus Times-Recorder. Carly Farrell and Keven Gilbert have recently joined the news staff at the T-R. Farrell is serving as the new news and education editor, while Gilbert serves as the news clerk.

Farrell brings with her 10 years of experience in community journalism. This is not Farrell’s first time in the shining city on a hill. From 2005 to 2006, where she served as a staff writer and city editor before departing to join the newsroom at the Times-Georgian in Carrollton. After that, Farrell joined the staff of the News-Herald in Panama City, Fla., and as the features editor at the Daily Commercial in Leesburg, Fla., south of Orlando.

Farrell was first introduced to the world of journalism while attending North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega, where she majored in English. “I wanted to be an English professor,” Farrell said, “but one of my English professors told me I wrote like a journalist, and tricked me into writing a piece for the school newspaper, and since then I’ve fallen in love with it.”

Beth Alston, executive editor said, “We’re happy to have Carly back in Americus and at the Times-Recorder. She brought much enthusiasm to the newsroom when she was here last, and we’re confident she will again be a productive and talented addition to our staff. She loves Americus and this area of the state.”

Also joining the staff as news clerk is Keven Gilbert. Gilbert was born and reared in Cordele, and graduated from Crisp County High School. After high school Gilbert attended Georgia Southwestern State University, graduating in 2002 with a degree in English. This is Gilbert’s first journey into the world of community journalism, and it’s an opportunity that he is excited about. “The main thing that I love about journalism is writing and finishing a story knowing that someone out there might enjoy reading it.”

Of Gilbert, Alston said, “Keven is a good writer, and he has sound news judgment. He has the ability to write about any subject as needed and has quickly grasped the complexities of governmental journalism. We’re glad to have him as a member of our news team.”