RALEIGH — North State Journal managing editor and sports editor Cory Lavalette has been named North State Journal’s new senior editor beginning with the statewide newspaper’s ninth volume, “State of Innovation.”
“I’m excited for this new challenge,” Lavalette said. “As one of North State Journal’s original employees back in 2016, I’ve seen our statewide newspaper defy odds to flourish while growing to include several community publications across the state. I can’t wait to add to our award-winning tradition and tell more great stories across North Carolina.”
Matt Mercer, North State Journal’s editor in chief over the past four years, departs at the end of February.
“Matt and Cory have been pivotal to North State Journal’s growth over the past four years,” North State Journal publisher Neal Robbins said. “I know Matt will continue to do great things during the next phase of his career, and he leaves North State Journal on a strong footing.”
“Cory knows North State Journal from every possible angle, and I am confident in his ability to lead us into a new, innovative phase of our growth as North Carolina’s primary source of statewide news,” added Robbins.
With the elevation of Lavalette to senior editor, longtime reporter and local sports editor Shawn Krest will add the title of sports editor.
In addition to leading coverage of prep sports across the outlet’s local editions, Krest will also be responsible for the newspaper’s award-winning sports coverage of collegiate and professional sports in the Tarheel State.
