Joan Gandy, former managing editor of The Natchez Democrat, has rejoined the staff as special projects director.

&uot;I always hoped and expected to return to newspaper work at The Democrat,&uot; she said. &uot;I am really looking forward to the challenges ahead.&uot;

In addition to enterprise reporting and column writing, Gandy will spearhead a variety of projects, both internal and external, for the newspaper.

&uot;We’re excited about Joan’s contributions to the staff at The Democrat,&uot; said Stacy Graning, editor. &uot;She brings a wealth of knowledge and talent to our team, along with the capability to help us continue to expand our coverage and strengthen our connection with the community.&uot;

Gandy worked in numerous editorial capacities during the 1980s and 1990s, winning awards for writing and newspaper design.

She left The Democrat in 1994 to work on projects with her husband, retired physician Dr. Tom Gandy.

In the past six years, the Gandys have produced three books based on their historic photographic collection and have curated exhibits in many U.S. cities and in Sydney, Australia.

Gandy can be reached at 445-3549 or via e-mail at joan.gandy@ natchezdemocrat.com.