MPA-MPS Staff - Mississippi Press Association

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MPA-MPS Staff

Layne Bruce | Executive Director

Layne joined MPA in 2006 as director of marketing and was named executive director in 2007. A native of West Point, he began his career in the production department of his hometown newspaper, the Daily Times Leader. He later served as a reporter for the Starkville Daily News, publisher of The Star-Herald in Kosciusko and as editor and general manager of the Glasgow (KY) Daily Times. He oversees management of MPA, Mississippi Press Services and the MPA Education Foundation and reports to the Board of Directors.

Julie Darling | Marketing Manager

A native of Natchez and a longtime sales manager for newspapers in Mississippi and Alabama, Julie joined Mississippi Press Services in 2016 as marketing manager. She oversees external marketing for MPS and its advertising programs, and assists with marketing for MPA and the MPA Education Foundation. Julie previously served as advertising director for The Cullman (Ala.) Times and retail advertising manager for The Natchez Democrat.

Monica Gilmer | Member Services Manager

Monica joined Mississippi Press Services in August 2005 as an advertising coordinator. She now is member services manager for MPA, planning the annual convention, Mid-Winter Conference and MPAEF Benefit Roast, coordinating the annual advertising and editorial contests, and administering the MPA public notice website. In 2015, she became coordinator of MPA Education Foundation programs, including internships, scholarships and grants.

Sue Hicks | Business Development Manager

After serving as network advertising coordinator and later senior marketing representative from 2001-2007, Sue rejoined MPA-MPS in early 2014 as Business Development Manager. She is responsible for marketing MPS products and member newspapers as the medium of first choice for advertisers in state and nationwide. She previously served as advertising manager for The Carthaginian and as classified sales manager for The Natchez Democrat. Sue administers the Mississippi Classified Advertising Network (MCAN), Mississippi Display Advertising Network (MDAN), and Quarter Page Network (QPN).

Andrea Ross | Media Director

Andrea joined Mississippi Press Services in 1999 as an advertising coordinator and is now the chief media buyer, handling ad placements for newspapers in-state and nationwide. Andrea provides advertising estimates to clients and is responsible for coordinating insertion orders with member newspapers and other press association advertising departments. She also assists with customer service and marketing of MPS.