Jesse Wright has been named managing editor for The Daily News, its website and affiliated publications.

Wright is the former managing editor of The Picayune (Miss.) Item.

“I am looking forward to becoming a part of the Bogalusa community,” Wright said. “It is especially exciting to arrive just in time for the Mardi Gras events.”

Prior to his time at the Item, Wright was the managing editor of the Clarksdale (Miss.) Press Register, where he won numerous state press association awards for writing, including the Bill Minor award for general reporting in 2015.

“I value small towns and in particular smaller newspapers,” Wright said. “I believe newspapers are vital to any community. Smaller newspapers are especially important, because not every community is served by other media. We can be a force for good and positive change where we work, and that’s my goal in Bogalusa and Washington Parish — to help the paper work for the community.”

Daily News publisher Justin Schuver said Wright would be a positive addition to the Daily News staff.

“I am very excited to have Jesse join our team at The Daily News,” Schuver said. “He is a very talented journalist who has lots of experience. I know he will help make The Daily News an even better publication for our readers and advertisers.”

Wright is from Corpus Christi, Texas. He attended Stephen F. Austin State University where he received a degree in communications and he attended the University of Mississippi, where he received a master’s degree in Southern studies.

Besides writing, Wright enjoys reading books, watching films and outdoor activities, including hiking and canoeing.

Both The Daily News and The Item are owned by Carpenter Newsmedia, LLC, an affiliate company of Boone Newspapers, Inc.

Wright plans to relocate to Bogalusa in the coming weeks.