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Staff directory
Administration
Stephanie Woody Headshot 2024

Stephanie Woody

Publisher
770-205-8945

Stephanie Woody, a Forsyth County native and a graduate of North Forsyth High School,  has been with Swartz-Morris Media for over 15 years. Woody has experience in all facets of the operation of a local newspaper.

She is also publisher of the Forsyth County News. 

 Woody and her husband Robbie, also a Forsyth County native, have three children. 

Shannon Casas 2023

Shannon Casas

Director of Audience
770-718-3417

Shannon joined The Times in Gainesville in 2006 and served in various roles in the newsroom there, including four years as editor in chief. Now, she serves as director of audience for Metro Market Media,  the parent company of the Forsyth County News, Dawson County News and The Times . Her work is focused on increasing readership and strengthening relationships between the communities and their local papers. 

Newsroom
Erica Jones 2024 cropped

Erica Jones

Managing Editor
706-265-3088

Erica Jones, a North Georgia native and UNG alumna, joined Dawson County News in March of 2020, where she worked as the education and features reporter before stepping into the role of managing editor in January of 2022. As the managing editor, she oversees day-to-day operations at the paper while also continuing to write and report education and city news, features and other stories. Together, she and her team are committed to bringing trustworthy, timely and impartial news to the Dawson County community. 

Julia Hansen 2024 cropped

Julia Hansen

Staff Reporter
706-842-2811

Julia Hansen joined Dawson County News in 2021. During her time at the newspaper, Hansen has primarily reported on crime, courts and county government news. In her spare time, Hansen enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband, Kevin.

Rio White 2024 cropped

Rio White

Sports Editor
706-550-6397

Rio joined the Dawson County News in January of 2022. As the sports editor, he reports and photographs local high school sporting events, writes feature stories on student-athletes and alumni, and covers Dawsonville native Chase Elliott’s NASCAR season. He enjoys working with and getting to know the local community, athletes and coaches.

Advertising
Meghan Hernadez 2023 cropped

Meghan Hernandez

Advertising Representative
770-205-8971