Mississippi Today, the state’s flagship nonprofit newsroom, has named veteran journalist Emily Wagster Pettus as its next editor-in-chief.

Pettus, one of the South’s most respected journalists, brings more than three decades of experience covering Mississippi to her new post. As Mississippi Today’s Senior Editor since May, she has helped shape the newsroom’s editorial direction, mentored its journalists and met with stakeholders across the state who believe in the power of strong local journalism.

Pettus succeeds Adam Ganucheau, who has moved into a regional leadership role as Executive Editor & Chief Content Officer of Deep South Today, Mississippi Today’s parent organization. The changes took effect Monday.

“It is thrilling that Emily gets to write Mississippi Today’s next chapter,” Ganucheau said. “She cares so deeply about our state and the Mississippians we serve, and she knows them so well. Her leadership has already proven vital to our newsroom’s incredible staff and our planning for what’s next. Mississippi Today’s future is, without any doubt, in such capable hands, and I can’t wait to see how the newsroom grows from here.”

READ MORE: Adam Ganucheau named Executive Editor & Chief Content Officer of Deep South Today

The dean of the Mississippi Capitol Press Corps, Pettus covered Mississippi for The Associated Press from 2001 until January 2025. She previously reported for The Clarion-Ledger, The Vicksburg Evening Post and The Oxford Eagle. She is a graduate of the University of Mississippi.

Her reporting has been widely praised for its fairness, accuracy and depth. In March, the Mississippi Legislature honored her with a resolution recognizing her contributions to journalism and public understanding. She is also a past recipient of the University of Mississippi’s prestigious Silver Em Award.

“Mississippi Today has a strong record of holding public officials accountable and shining light on complex issues that people in our state face on a daily basis,” Pettus said. “We will continue doing that with a newsroom full of smart, talented journalists who care deeply about this place.”

About Deep South Today

Deep South Today is a nonprofit network of local newsrooms that includes Mississippi Today, Verite News and The Current.

Founded in 2016, Mississippi Today is now the largest newsroom in the state, and in 2023 it won the Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting. Verite News launched in 2022 in New Orleans, where it covers inequities facing communities of color. The Current is a nonprofit news organization founded in 2018 serving Lafayette and southern Louisiana.

With its regional scale and scope, Deep South Today is rebuilding and re-energizing local journalism in communities where it had previously eroded, and ensuring its long-term growth and sustainability.