Metro Market Media has hired a veteran newspaper leader to serve as the company's director of revenue.

Eugene Jackson will lead sales and marketing efforts for The Times, Dawson County News and Forsyth County News.

"I love the media industry and I could not be more excited to join the Metro Market Media team at this time during the company’s digital transformation. I hope to continue to help grow what (company owner) Charles Hill Morris and (publisher) Stephanie Woody have built here with this amazing team while building on existing momentum," Jackson said. "I can’t wait to connect with the community and customers in the area."

Jackson recently served as vice president of sales and marketing and market leader for Gannett/USA Today in Ohio for the Columbus Dispatch and additional northeast Ohio markets. He has been a publisher and sales leader over his 18-year newspaper career and has worked in leadership for other newspaper groups including Lee Enterprises, Hearst and BH Media. He holds a bachelor of science degree in education with a minor in marketing from Virginia Tech.

“We are thrilled to have someone of Eugene’s caliber come on board. We look forward to seeing what the future holds with Eugene overseeing our revenue at Metro Market Media,” said Woody.

Jackson, his wife, Holly, and their three children are moving from Ohio to Hall County.

"My family and I are so excited to relocate to Gainesville and build roots in the area," Jackson said. "Gainesville, Forsyth and Dawson are amazing markets, and it is a huge opportunity for us to grow. I am excited to get started."

Jackson can be reached via email at eugenejackson@gainesvilletimes.com or via phone at 770-535-6330.