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Jeff Peyton
Jeffrey M. Peyton has been named publisher of The Northeast Georgian and regional publisher of Community Newspaper Inc.’s Northeast Georgia region, which includes the White County News.
Peyton replaces longtime publisher Alan NeSmith, who was recently promoted to chairman of Community Newspapers, Inc.
Peyton, 54, brings with him decades of newspaper experience. His career began in the 1980s writing for The Harrisburg Patriot-News in Pennsylvania. Since then, he has earned dozens of press association awards for breaking news, feature writing, editorial and column writing, photography, page design and advertising design. A U.S. Army veteran, Peyton also earned accolades as a military journalist and photographer.
“We’re excited to have Jeff at the helm of your local newspaper,” NeSmith said. “Jeff brings enthusiasm and experience to our team. He’s a great newspaperman, and I look forward to watching The Northeast Georgian flourish under his leadership.”
Peyton said what attracted him to the role at The Northeast Georgian was the newspaper’s connection with the community it serves.
“Newspapers across the country have sort of forgotten their purpose,” he said. “They’ve literally forgotten why they’re even here, and it shows.
“But that’s not the case here. The Northeast Georgian is an integral part of life in Habersham County. It isn’t just a reflection of the community, the staff here work hard every day to be an active part of their community. That,” Peyton said, “is why I had to come here.”
Peyton comes to Northeast Georgia from New Hampshire, where he served as regional marketing director for a group of daily newspapers. Before that, he was vice president of Lakeway Publishers of Missouri, where he oversaw a regional group of 10 community newspapers.
For nine years, he was managing partner of an international marketing agency, serving clients on four continents.
“It turns out, the same advertising and marketing advice that works for Main Street businesses was sorely needed in international manufacturing,” Peyton said. “I loved the world travel, and working with some amazing folks, but, honestly, I just missed community journalism.”
Peyton, along with Elaina, his wife of 33 years, and Phineas, their 5-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, live in Cornelia. They have a daughter and a granddaughter.