Staff Report
Ashley Vansant has been named publisher of the Washington Daily News and president of Washington Newsmedia, LLC, succeeding Ray McKeithan.
Vansant, 33, has served as president and publisher of Greenville Newspapers, LLC, since 2008. GNL, based in Greenville, Ala., is the publisher of four community newspapers, a weekly shopping guide and a quarterly lifestyles magazine.
Washington Newsmedia, which purchased the Daily News in 2010, and Greenville Newspapers share an affiliation with Boone Newspapers, Inc., of Tuscaloosa, Ala. Washington Newsmedia publishes the Daily News, Washington the Magazine and related digital products.
“I am excited about joining the team at the Washington Daily News and becoming part of a great tradition of service to the community,” Vansant said.  “It’s an honor to be able to continue the mission of the newspaper.”
Originally from Hoover, Ala., Vansant graduated from Auburn University in 2002 with a degree in journalism. He began his newspaper career with the Shelby County Reporter in Columbiana, Ala.
Newspapers he has managed or published have been named the state’s best by the Alabama Press Association, receiving APA General Excellence awards five times.
Vansant and his wife, Kristin, have three sons: Sam, 8; Gus, 6; and Max, 4.
“The opportunity in Washington is one with many appeals for me and my family,” Vansant said. “Washington is a beautiful area with instant charm. We’re thrilled to become part of the community and look forward to making our home here.”
Vansant will be in and out of Washington over the next few weeks as he seeks housing in the area and relocates his family.
McKeithan recently announced his resignation, effective at month’s end, to become manager of public affairs and governmental affairs for PotashCorp-Aurora. He served as associate publisher and general manager of the Daily News from 2001 to 2010, when he was named publisher and president.