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Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 7:53 PM

About Our Team

Thomas Edwards Executive editor
Thomas Edwards
Executive editor

Veteran journalist Thomas Edwards is the executive editor of Granite Media Partners Inc., the parent company of the Sealy News and Austin County Insider magazine. A self-described “military brat,” he started his professional journalism career at age 19 working for a mid-size daily in Central Louisiana.

Edwards’ work experience includes serving as editor of LOCAL Community News in San Antonio; editor of the River Cities Daily Tribune and The Picayune in Marble Falls; editor and police reporter at the San Antonio Express-News; editor of Prime Time Newspapers Inc.; a general-assignment reporter at the Alexandria, La., Daily Town Talk; and a former co-host of the  “Crime Show” on KTSA radio. 

He also has several awards to his credit. 

Email: [email protected]

 
Tressa Alley Publisher
Tressa Alley
Publisher

Tressa is a 20-year accounting professional, with 15 of those years serving in a leadership role. 

She has been with Granite Media Partners Inc., owners of the Sealy News, Austin County Insider and Colorado County Insider, for more than fours years and says she is “looking forward to the many years ahead.” 

Tressa, a wife and mother of three, is currently earning a master’s degree in business management and accountancy. In her spare time, she fosters animals and owns/operates a small farm with animals ranging from chickens to livestock and just about everything in-between. She was born and raised in Colorado County, Texas, and is very passionate about rural communities. 

As publisher, she finds joy in bringing the best stories and highlights of these small towns to readers for their enjoyment. 

Email: [email protected]

 
Amanda Luksha Community Marketing Consultant
Amanda Luksha
Community Marketing Consultant

Amanda was born and raised in Houston and moved to Sealy three years ago, where she started a new career with The Sealy News as a community marketing consultant for Austin County. 

She enjoys the same role with the Austin County Insider, produced by The Sealy News. 

Her hobbies include cooking, being outdoors, writing and photography, but most of all she loves spending time with her three boys. She has been in sales and marketing for more than eight years. 

Email [email protected].

 
Paula Schechter  Editor
Paula Schechter 
Editor

A 30-year marketing and public relations veteran, Paula's broad range of writing and editing includes press releases, website copy, food-product packaging, magazine articles, vlogs, social media, eblasts and music videos. 

She served as editor of RIO Magazine for the San Antonio River Walk for eight years. Her passions include watercolor, cooking, gardening, succulents, country living, nature and Netflix. Oh, and her immensely smart and wonderful son. 

Email: [email protected]

 
Florence Edwards Designer
Florence Edwards
Designer

Florence earned her stripes in graphics design and creative direction in the San Antonio hyperlocal newspaper and magazine markets. 

She has 25 years of experience in print/digital design and web development. In the course of her career, she has earned numerous industry awards from the Texas Press Association, Texas Community Newspapers Association and the National Newspaper Association. 

Florence holds an undergraduate degree in marketing/mass communication and two graduate degrees, including one from the Texas A&M University System. She also is fluent in French and Spanish.

 
Holly Galvan-Posey
Holly Galvan-Posey
Writer

Holly Galvan-Posey has been enriching readers with her engaging content since 2016. 

Her versatility and in-depth storytelling spans newspapers, magazines and blogs and she is always open to new writing opportunities. 

Holly balances her professional aspirations with being a dedicated mother and managing her personal blog, where she shares insights and experiences about living in the Houston area.

 

 

Lakendra Lewis
Lakendra Lewis
Writer

Lakendra Lewis is a freelance writer and book editor based in San Antonio, Texas. Her articles focus on the arts including music, theater, television and film. 

She also has a passion for telling other people's stories. Lakendra’s articles have appeared in a variety of South Texas publications, including Edible San Antonio Magazine, Latino Leaders Magazine, LOCAL Community News, The Texas Observer and RIO Magazine. 

When she’s not writing, Lakendra enjoys listening to music, watching movies, reading, going to the theater, cooking, singing and travel.

 

 

Susan Yerkes
Susan Yerkes
Writer

Susan Yerkes is an award-winning journalist and a card-carrying Texan, based in San Antonio. 

A longtime columnist for the San Antonio Light and the San Antonio Express-News, she also has traveled widely, and written for publications as far-flung and diverse as the Times of India, Illustrated London News, The Christian Science Monitor and International Herald Tribune.

 In addition, she has contributed to LOCAL Community News and the East Wilco Insider. 

 
Drew Henry
Drew Henry
Writer

Drew Henry is a writer, marketing entrepreneur and lover of all things Texas. 

With over a decade of experience, he writes for publications across the state and creates content for brands nationwide. When he’s not at his keyboard, you can find him exploring the Lone Star State, reading or catching up on his favorite shows. 

He also enjoys photography and sharing his adventures on Instagram @TheDrewHenry. 

 
Janis Turk
Janis Turk
Writer

Janis Turk, an award-winning travel writer, photographer, author and editor, has written for numerous magazines, newspapers and travel sites including Southwest Airlines Spirit magazine, United Airlines Hemispheres magazine, The Chicago Tribune, The Houston Chronicle, The Dallas Morning News, AAA Explorer Texas magazine, New York City Resident Magazine, GoNOMAD, Forbes, The Travel Channel, Culture Map, Smarter Travel, AARP: The Magazine and more. 

She has appeared on television as a travel consultant on CNN’s airport network and has published guidebooks for FrommerMedia LLC. Turk has taught as an English instructor and was an English-as-a-second-language professor at three universities in Texas and in Mexico. She has also been a managing editor and travel editor at four popular magazines.

 
Mitch Lobrovich
Mitch Lobrovich
Writer

A former feature writer for The Dallas Morning News, Mitch Lobrovich’s adventures in freelance writing have taken him on assignments across the U.S., Europe and the Middle East. 

His work has appeared in regional publications that include D Magazine and Austin Monthly, and national magazines ranging from AARP: The Magazine to Popular Science. When he’s not working, he’s composing and producing songs in his backyard studio. 

 

 

 

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