Doerflein
There’s a new editor in town.
Bud Hunt, Daily Journal publisher and vice president of AIM Media Indiana, announced the leadership change this week. James Vaughn, who has served as editor since 2019, has taken another job. News editor Leeann Doerflein, who has been with the paper for two years, will take the reins Monday.
“We’re sorry to lose James and wish him well,” Hunt said. “At the same time, we’re elated to advance Leeann from her role as news editor to the top position in our newsroom. Leeann has the talent and ambition to lead us forward. She’s been our local government reporter, among other duties, and understands our critical role in the communities we serve. I encourage readers to get to know her if they don’t already and share their ideas.”
Doerflein joined the paper in March 2020 as a local government reporter, and immediately became the lead reporter covering the coronavirus pandemic. She was promoted to news editor in December. Her primary responsibilities included social media and making sure the county’s small towns are covered. She also covers Franklin.
Doerflein is from Metamora in southeastern Indiana, and lives in Greenwood. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science from the University of Indianapolis, and a master’s degree in strategic communication from Purdue University. She has worked in many newsrooms across Indiana.
“In my time at the Daily Journal I have met so many wonderful people who work every day to make Johnson County a better place to live. Through our reporting, I hope to reflect that spirit and tell stories that matter,” Doerflein said. “It is my hope to build on the work of editors past and bring readers new ways to enjoy our award-winning content. I am honored and humbled to lead a newspaper as reputable as the Daily Journal.”
Vaughn has taken a marketing and communications position at an Indianapolis nonprofit. He is excited about the new challenge, but sad to go.
“It’s hard to leave a place that feels like home, but it’s time,” Vaughn said. “When I was recruited to work at the Daily Journal four years ago, it immediately clicked. The folks I got to work with, the community relationships I built and the stories I was entrusted to tell will stay with me long after I leave this newsroom for the last time. Thank you, Johnson County.”
Send news tips and letters to the editor to Doerflein at [email protected].
