Steve Du Bois has been named publisher of the Laurel Leader-Call, replacing Crystal Dupre who is now publisher of the Meridian Star. Both publications are owned by Community Newspaper Holdings Inc., based in Birmingham.

Du Bois is excited about coming to the area and taking a leadership role within the community.

“The Laurel Leader-Call has a strong reputation in this area and I am looking forward to making some positive improvements with the Leader-Call in order to make it the number one choice for news, as well as an advertising medium for the businesses in the area,” said Du Bois.

“Steve’s energetic personality will not only be an asset to the Leader-Call, but will be beneficial to the community,” said editor Rob Sigler. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and I believe the people of the Pine Belt will be excited to see what new projects will be forthcoming in their newspaper.”

Du Bois comes to Laurel from Fort Myers, Fla., where he was group publisher for Ogden Newspapers and ran the Fort Myers Beach Observer, the Beach Bulletin and the South Lee Messenger. Prior to that, he worked in advertising for Gannet Newspapers at the News-Press in Fort Myers.

A native of New Jersey, he also has experience in directory advertising for Sprint and as a real estate broker for Century 21.

He encourages members of the community to voice their concerns about their newspaper by e-mailing him at publisher@laurelleadercall.com