Sheryl Marsh, a veteran courthouse beat reporter, has assumed the position of communications/community relations director for Morgan County.

She was chosen over 14 other applicants and fills a position that was created by the Morgan County Commission earlier this year. Her responsibilities include writing and editing a quarterly newsletter, preparing news releases and representing the commission on the boards of various community organizations, which receive financial support from county government.

“This move underscores our desire to keep Morgan County citizens better informed about what is going on in their county government,” said Commission Chairman Ray Long. “Publishing a newsletter and making the county’s website more user friendly are examples of how we can communicate more effectively with our constituents. We feel fortunate to have someone with Sheryl Marsh’s background and experience on board to help us do that.”

“I feel energized, having moved my journalism career in a new direction,” Marsh stated. “I appreciate this opportunity and look forward to using my skills to help promote Morgan County and keep its people connected to county government in a positive way.”

Marsh comes to her new position after serving as courthouse beat reporter for The Decatur Daily since 1998. She was previously employed with The Daily Home in Talladega where she served as a city hall beat reporter for 21 years.

Marsh has won numerous awards from the Associated Press and Alabama Press Association for her investigative reporting, spot news and feature writing.

In addition, she was one of 12 journalists from throughout the U. S. who were chosen to receive a Donald Reynolds Fellowship to become a Maynard Institute for Journalism Education Fellow. The institute is associated with The Nieman Foundation and Harvard University.