Roger Steele has been named the business and marketing development coordinator for Troy Publications Inc.

“We’re excited to welcome Roger to the Pike County community,” said Stacy G. Graning, publisher. “Roger has a strong background in community newspapers and marketing and understands the importance of helping local business succeed in today’s economy.”

Steele will take on management of retail and classified sales for the company, as well as help out with circulation promotions and write a weekly column.

Steele comes to Troy Publications after experience as general manager of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. in Alexander City where he worked for five years. Before that, he was retail manager for The Cullman Times while teaching U.S. History as an adjunct professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting the good people of Pike County and becoming a part of the Troy community. My background with developing customized marketing plans for local businesses is something I believe can help our community not only survive, but thrive in these challenging economic conditions.”

Steele has been married to his wife, Karen, for 15 years. The couple has two children – Amelia, 13, and Nathan, 11. The family also shares their home with a rescued puppy, Trent.

Troy Publications Inc. publishes The Messenger, an award-winning five-day newspaper; TroyLife, an award-winning quarterly lifestyle magazine; and www.troymessenger.com.