Aimee Harmison Madden, a lifelong resident of Polk County, has been named as editor and publisher of The Cedartown Standard and The Rockmart Journal.

Having worked in the communications field for more than 10 years, Madden previously worked for the Standard from 1999 until 2008. During that time, her roles varied from reporter and photographer to page designer and editor. Most recently, Madden served in the public relations and marketing industry.

“Community journalism excites me. I am thankful for this opportunity to get back to what I am passionate about and to pass along that excitement to our readers. I love interacting with the people of Polk County, sharing their stories and providing them with useful and relevant news. Whether reporting on a hard news story or covering high school graduations, our mission as a local newspaper is to inform readers.” Madden said. “We want you to be able to pick up one of our papers or visit our Website and come away with new information that addresses important issues of your town and your community.”

Otis M. Raybon Jr., publisher of the Rome News-Tribune, said, “We are pleased to have Aimee at the helm of our Polk County newspapers. Her experience in the newsroom and in the communications field, combined with her enthusiasm for community journalism, makes her a perfect fit for this role. The fact that she is a Polk County native ensures our readers that their newspaper will have a sharp local focus.”

Madden has been the recipient of seven individual Georgia Press Association Awards, including two first place wins in hard news and feature writing category. In 2006, Madden received the Georgia School Boards Association’s Beacon Award. This award recognizes journalists whose continual reporting created understanding of education issues by informing the public about programs, policies and issues affecting schools, students, and their communities.

She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, a national organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of journalism, and is currently under consideration for membership into the Atlanta Press Club. Madden has been active in the local community, having served as a board member of the Cedartown Kiwanis Club and having served as communications liaison for the Rome-Carrollton District of the United Methodist Church.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Shorter University. Madden is a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church, where her husband, Britt, serves as pastor. They reside in Cedartown.

Madden begins her duties Wednesday, Nov. 14. She replaces former editor and publisher Lowell Vickers.