Newsmakers

Promotions, new hires and other staff changes at Texas newspapers published in the June 2022 edition of the Texas Press Messenger.

Chris Lykins
Southern Newspapers, Inc.
HOUSTON – Chris Lykins was named executive editor of digital content for Southern Newspapers.
This newly-created role will help chart digital content direction, create and implement standards across properties and work closely with staff members across SNI’s community newspapers, magazines and digital tools, according to Leonard Woolsey, president of Southern Newspapers Inc.
“I am excited for Chris to take this new role for our newspapers,” Woolsey said.  “Chris brings a unique perspective and talent to the opportunities in the digital space. I am confident he is the right person to successfully lead us forward.”
Lykins will work across multiple platforms, focusing on improving practices as well as training and education efforts. Lykins also brings more than 23 years of award-winning journalism to his new role. Recently, Lykins served as executive editor for the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.
“I’m excited about this opportunity to help our newspapers improve their digital products,” Lykins said. “I’m looking forward to working with publishers and editors on not only making our digital offerings better, but how we can use tools, workflows and education to make the lives of our newsroom staffs less stressful and more successful.”
Southern Newspapers Inc. is a family-held company of 11 newspapers.

Sadiq King
Kilgore News Herald
KILGORE - Sadiq King has joined the staffs of the Kilgore News Herald and Marshall News Messenger as a writer, photographer and editor.
King graduated from Wiley College in Marshall in 2018 with a degree in mass communications.
In addition to the newspapers, King conducts interviews and takes photos of local and upcoming artists for his rising performing arts brand “NuPyramid Productions” and serves remotely as the artistic director and educator for the Delaware-based non-profit Afri-Female Institute Inc., which provides programs and assistance to at-risk children and their families.
Originally from Camden, New Jersey, King attended the drama school of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and later came to Marshall as a member of the “Great Debaters” of Wiley College.

Tammie C. Chisholm
The Free Press
DIBOLL – Tammie C. Chisholm is the new editor of The Free Press.
A resident of Diboll, Chisholm comes to The Free Press staff with more than 30 years experience in the newspaper industry, having served as journalist, news editor, assistant city editor and executive editor.
For the past nine years, Chisholm has served as press secretary to the premier of the Cayman Islands.
Free Press Publisher Christy Roach announced the appointment, noting Chisholm brings “a wealth of experience and love for community that will lead The Free Press into the future.”
The Free Press is one of eight community newspapers owned by Hicks Media.