Amanda is a 10-time award-winning journalist who has been in the field for more than a decade. A graduate of Valdosta State University, where she was a features editor for the campus newspaper, Amanda has since moved on to embark on a career that has led her to winning top state awards through the Georgia Press Association.
She has been a lifestyles editor for The Valdosta Daily Times and a magazine editor for The Daily Times' monthly publication, Valdosta Scene, overseeing a small staff and being third-in-command in the newsroom. While at the Daily Times, she revamped the company's magazine, acted as a link between the community and readers and took on hard-hitting assignments that garnered her multiple accolades while remaining committed to community journalism.
Her leadership then took her to The Griffin Daily News, where she was a managing editor and department head who worked closely with the publisher and marketing manager. While there, she brought new light to the newspaper and its bimonthly magazine, Southern Crescent Living. She established new weekly departments for the newspaper while correlating opportunities for advertising and editorial to come together and share space on the pages.
Her awards include: two for Investigating Reporting (first and third place), Feature Photo (second place), three for Lifestyle Coverage (first and second places), Best Magazine Overall Design (first place), Magazine Cover Design (third place), Magazine Product (second place) and Religion Writing (third place).
The Associated Press has run 13 of her stories through its weekend wire, and she has had multiple stories to circulate both nationally and internationally in several print and digital publications. National Public Radio Atlanta (WABE) has interviewed Amanda about her work.
She has interviewed Adrian Peterson, Gov. Brian Kemp, Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp, Super Bowl Champ Malcolm Mitchell, Elizabeth Smart, two Harlem Globetrotters, Pam Tebow, Misty Copeland and the late Burt Reynolds. She has also photographed Shaquille O'Neal, Flo Rida and other public figures.
Amanda has a passion for storytelling and enjoys being a voice for the local community. While her work ranges from crime to business to education news, her heart lies in features journalism as it offers the chance to meet diverse people and share their stories in a way that matters. The readers and those she interviews will always come first for Amanda.
Powerball officials say “it only takes one $2 Powerball ticket" to win an estimated $750 million jackpot. Here's where to buy tickets in GA.
If temperatures stay as predicted, weather officials say Georgia could record its fifth-coolest August for high temperatures since 1893.
Investigators in hazmat suits were reportedly on scene at the federal building in downtown Atlanta.
GA authorities say they have located two children missing from Florida, and their mother was arrested in connection with their kidnapping.
The thoughts of current employees, wages, parity and work culture were considered when identifying the best employers in Florida.
The thoughts of current employees, wages, parity and work culture were considered when identifying the best employers in Georgia.
GA homes could have a hefty price tag compared to other states, but can local real-estate markets stand strong against others in the U.S.?
Firefighter Injured | SWAT Standoff | Fatal Stabbing | 'Razor Blade' COVID-19 | No Income Taxes? | Shooting, Crash Rumors Swirl In Assault
As a prescription for end-of-summer malaise, we’ve rounded up five things to do outside to enjoy the last bits of summer sunshine in GA.
Fulton County commissioners approved $1 billion for jail renovations and a special purpose facility, which the sheriff criticized.
An argument led to the shooting death of a DeKalb County man, and police said they have arrested the accused gunman.
With Hurricane Erin pushing through the Atlantic, forecasters are monitoring additional tropical systems with the potential to develop.
Cobb County Police addressed rumors that a man was injured from a car crash or a shooting. Here's what they say actually happened to him.
While the Labrador retriever may be the best dog on the block in 18 states, Florida's pick for top breed may surprise you.
While the Labrador retriever may be the best dog on the block in 18 states, Georgia's pick for top breed may surprise you.
Georgia Republicans are aiming to eliminate state income taxes, which currently generate about $16.2 billion in revenue for key services.
President Donald Trump has claimed there is “massive fraud” due to mail voting, when in fact voting fraud in the U.S. is rare.
President Donald Trump has claimed there is “massive fraud” due to mail-in voting, when in fact voting fraud in the U.S. is rare.
A Georgia couple was found dead by their 6-year-old daughter, and their 17-year-old daughter is accused of fatally shooting them.
Swimmers are warned of menacing conditions at beaches Wednesday as Hurricane Erin passes by Georgia and the East Coast.
