Lance Coleman named editor of Blount Today

"From Lance’s first day with us, he has brought a level of commitment and professionalism to our publication that is unmatched," said Sherri Gardner Howell, Blount Today publisher. "As our senior reporter, he has been consistent in bringing our readers community journalism that is a good mix of news, features and analysis of local issues. This move to editor will expand his role at Blount Today, allowing him not only to continue to do what he does so well, but also to guide and teach
our freelance writers and community contributors."

The role of editor at a community newspaper goes beyond directing staff and managing assignments, Gardner Howell explained.

"We have a committed team at Blount Today who feel not only an obligation to our readers and customers, but to the community as a whole to be a reflection of what is good, interesting and important to Blount County. As editor, Lance will be even more involved with the community and community leaders so that he can have a major role in directing the future
of this newspaper."

Marty Millsaps, Blount Today advertising director, praised Coleman’s work ethic.

"Lance is one of the hardest working journalists I have ever been around," Millsaps said. "His commitment to this paper is a large part of what has given us the recognition and respect in Blount County that we have been able to achieve in less than three years."

Coleman said journalism is the best job for a person like him.

"I’ve been really blessed to be in this business and becoming editor of Blount Today means a lot. A bad day here is a whole lot more interesting than a good day at a 40-hour-a-week desk job. I look forward to the challenges ahead and will continue to enjoy working with the great team here at Blount Today, especially my fellow editor — and the most prolific sportswriter to ever ride a bicycle — Stefan Cooper.

"I appreciate all our readers, especially Don and Anna Coleman, my mom and dad, reading on the Web down in Rhea County. We’re working hard to get you news, sports and features you’ll hold onto all week until the next edition comes off the press."

Coleman has 13 years in the newspaper business as a reporter and writer and has been with Blount Today since January 2005. As reporter, he has twice been a winner in the Society of Professional Journalists’ Golden Press Card competition and was the 2002 recipient of the Malcolm Law Memorial Award for Best Investigative Reporting with Anna C. Irwin of The Daily Times.

Notable analysis pieces for Blount Today have included a wide variety of social, economic and political issues, including such signature pieces as "Champion Faces Final Challenge;" "Music in Maryville;" "Hang Up and Learn: Blount schools tackle cell phones in classroom;" "A Visit With Beverley;" and a portfolio of political coverage.

A native of Soddy Daisy, Coleman lives in Maryville.