NATCHEZ — Scott Hawkins has been named editor of The Natchez Democrat, natchezdemocrat.com and affiliate publications.

Hawkins, a Jackson native, comes to Natchez from Gulfport where he most recently worked as the sports and features editor for The Sun Herald, where he worked in various editorial capacities for the past 16 years.

“I am excited to have landed in Natchez,” Hawkins said. “It is a beautiful and historic community, and I look forward to getting to know the area and to heading up The Natchez Democrat’s coverage of the people, events and issues that matter to the area.”

Hawkins has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Southern Mississippi and a master’s degree in English from Mississippi State University.

In addition to his time at The Sun Herald, he has worked at newspapers throughout the region, including stints at the Hattiesburg American, The Madison County Journal and The Starkville Daily News.

Democrat Publisher Kevin Cooper said Hawkins is uniquely positioned to lead the Natchez newsroom.

“I’ve known Scott for many years, and he’s among the best community newspaper leaders I know. He has a heart for newspapers and for the audiences and communities they serve,” Cooper said. “We’re excited to have him join the newspaper family and are looking forward to Scott continuing a long line of great newspaper leaders who have led The Democrat’s news coverage through the years.”

Hawkins will assume daily management of The Democrat’s newsroom from news editor Ben Hillyer, who will continue with the newspaper in a slightly different and expanded role.

After helping Hawkins during a transition period, Hillyer will work in a new, digital engagement leadership role for several newspapers in addition to having a hand in Natchez news operations and his vital role with Natchez the Magazine.

Hillyer has worked for The Democrat since 2000 when he joined the newsroom as a staff photographer. He has also worked as creative director and design editor.

“I’ve long said Ben is like a football player for us who is great at running, passing, catching and kicking,” Cooper said. “Through the years, we’ve put him in positions where we need excellence and that’s the case here. We’re shifting his role to help us as we continue to see our digital audience expand with technological advances and reader habits.”

Hillyer’s new role will be to lead efforts to provide expanded online content for Natchez, Vicksburg, Brookhaven and other community newspapers in the area.

“I look forward to my new role, and I am eager to help further the company’s mission of providing quality community journalism for Natchez and its affiliate newspapers,” Hillyer said.

Hawkins can be reached at 601-445-3540 or by email to scott.hawkins@natchezdemocrat.com.