AUGUSTA, Ga. – Rona Johnson has been named publisher of Morris Publishing Group Alaska, encompassing the Alaska Journal of Commerce, Alaska Equipment Trader and the Alaska Star weekly newspaper, all located in Anchorage. 

The appointment was announced Tuesday by Les Simpson, regional publisher for Morris Publishing Group, LLC, and publisher of the Amarillo (Texas) Globe-News. 

Johnson will start work in the publisher’s post in Anchorage Jan. 2.   

Johnson’s media career began at Agweek magazine where she held several positions including reporter and editor. She has held editorial positions at the Grand Forks Herald (N.D.), BBI International and most recently served as special publications manager for Forum Communications. 

“I look forward to working with Morris Publishing Group and the staff at MPG Alaska,” Johnson said. “I have been in journalism for nearly 25 years and my enthusiasm for the industry is just as strong today as it was when I started. It is especially exciting with the advent and growth of social media and digital publications.”

Johnson has a bachelor of arts degree from the University of North Dakota. She is active in her community, having served as a board member for Valley Health in Grand Forks, and has participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. 

Morris Publishing Group, LLC, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morris Communications Co., LLC, a privately held media company based in Augusta, Ga. MPG owns and operates 11 daily newspapers, including the Peninsula Clarion in Kenai, as well as several non-daily newspapers, including the Homer News.