Drakes Branch native Italia Gregory has been promoted to community editor of The Charlotte Gazette.

In her new role, Gregory will oversee publication of community news, working with area schools, non-profit groups and other organizations to publicize their activities. Based in the newspaper’s Drakes Branch office, she will continue to assist customers with their classified advertising and subscription needs.

“As a talented journalist and lifelong resident of Charlotte County, Italia is well qualified to take on this expanded leadership role for our newspaper,” said Steve Stewart, the Gazette’s publisher. “She has been a critically important member of our team over the past year — as a reporter and as a versatile customer service representative who takes excellent care of our telephone and walk-in customers.”

Gregory graduated in 2007 from Randolph-Henry High School and earned a bachelor of arts in communication studies in 2012 from Longwood University and a master of arts in human services counseling from Liberty University in 2015. She joined the Gazette last fall after three years on the staff of the Southside Messenger.

In her new role, Gregory takes on some of the primary duties of Hannah Davis, who resigned as Gazette editor recently to pursue a new career opportunity.

“We deeply appreciate Hannah’s valuable service to our newspaper over the past year and wish her well in her new endeavors,” Stewart said.

As community editor, Gregory will work closely with Managing Editor Martin Cahn to ensure first-rate community news coverage for Gazette readers.

“We invite our readers to connect with Italia, to share your community news and suggest ways we can serve you better,” Stewart said.

Gregory can be reached at 434-568-3341 or italia.gregory@thecharlottegazette.com.