Stephens shifts to local advertising

COLFAX - A Cheney woman with a part-time residence here has been hired as the new advertising representative for the Whitman County Gazette.

Sarah D. Stephens, 45, of Cheney, began working in Gazette advertising sales in January. In her time on staff, she has already produced the Whitman County Neighbors, which was published in the newspaper Thursday, Feb. 24.

"I like supporting small businesses," Stephens said of her new role. "And I will ensure customer satisfaction."

"We're glad to have someone with her energy working with local businesses," Publisher Roger Harnack said.

Stephens will generally be available at the Gazette during regular office hours, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday.

She can be reached by telephone at 509-397-4333 Ext. 0003 or via email at advertising@wcgazette.com.

Prior to taking on the advertising role at The Gazette, Stephens was a features writer at the Cheney Free Press.

A West Virginia native who relocated to Washington state in 2015 with her husband and daughter, Stephens has lived in Newport, Spokane Valley and Cheney.

She began working as a field interviewer for several research projects and fell in love with the area, she said.

Stephens has had various positions during her career while pursuing her advertising and marketing passion, she said.

She served as an English as a second language instructor and has also been employed in various sales, marketing and media positions.

Stephens has pursued a life-long ambition of being at a community newspaper since graduate school.

She has a master's degree in new media from Full Sail University Online and undergraduate degrees from West Virginia University-Parkersburg. Stephens said she is ready to put her skills to work in Whitman County.

Outside of the newspaper, Stephens said she enjoys hiking with her family, husband Matthew and daughter Rosalyn, and spending time with her two small dogs. She also enjoys going to concerts, renaissance fairs and other events.