An award-winning journalist has joined the Washington Daily News staff.

Mona Moore, born and raised in southern California, began her duties with the Daily News on Tuesday.

“I am so glad I have been afforded the opportunity to become a part of another close-knit community,” Moore said. “Especially one as rich in charm and history as Washington.”

“We’re pleased to welcome Mona to our team at the Washington Daily News,” said publisher Ashley Vansant. “Mona brings talent, experience and a passion for community journalism. I’m excited to see her put those qualities to use in Washington — telling its stories and making it her home.”

After moving from California, Moore lived on the Gulf Coast — Mobile, Ala., and Fort Walton Beach, Fla. — and in Columbia, Miss. She earned a B.A. and M.A. in corporate and public communication from the University of South Alabama.

“After writing my thesis on small-town newspapers, I was eager to work in that setting,” Moore said.

Moore began her journalism career as a sports reporter for the Columbian-Progress in Columbia, Miss. She won a first-place award in sports writing from the Mississippi Press Association for the first story she ever wrote. Moore quickly took on other responsibilities, including general news and photography assignments.

Before relocating to Washington, Moore covered the military beat for the Northwest Florida Daily News.

Moore’s other awards include:

• 2011 — first place in religion writing from the Florida Press Club.
• 2007— first place, best sports feature; first place, best general news photograph; second place, best special section or issue; second place, best sports column; honorable mention, best front page; honorable mention, best special section or issue from MPA.
• 2006 — first place, best sports story; second place, best sports story from MPA.

Moore’s personal interests include roller derby, ice hockey, Washington Redskins, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, fine art, auctions, antiques, cooking, wine tasting, social media and poker.