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Newspaper industry veteran Roger Watson has been named interim editor of The Gazette.

Watson, 51, is no stranger to Virginia, having served as publisher of The News Leader in Staunton from 2005 to 2018. He joined the Boone Newspaper Co. as publisher of The Stanly News & Press in Albemarle, North Carolina in 2018.

“Working in Farmville gets me back closer to my family. With one child in college at James Madison University, two in the later years of high school and my wife heavily involved in community ministry as a pastor for the United Methodist Church, relocation is not an option for us at the moment,” he said. “I’m excited to join a talented team here in Farmville and continue doing what I love — community news.”

While in Staunton, Watson served on the board of the Virginia Press Association. He was also an active Rotarian and served in various board leadership roles with the Salvation Army and United Way.

“A gifted journalist and leader, we are pleased to have Watson join our team,” said Gazette Publisher Betty J. Ramsey.

Watson can be reached with any comments concerning news topics or suggestions for stories at editor@TheCharlotteGazette.com.