Newsmakers

Promotions, new hires and other employment news published in Texas Newspapers and reported in the November edition of the Texas Press Messenger.

Shaffer promoted to general manager for DeWitt County Publishing

CUERO – Kayla Lynn Shaffer has been promoted to general manager of DeWitt County Publishing.

Shaffer, a Cuero native, has worked for the Cuero Record and Yorktown View since 2024, starting as bookkeeper and taking on sales and marketing operations as well within a few months. 

She now has responsibility for the management of both newspaper operations. 

The promotion was announced by Mandy Farrow, regional publisher for San Marcos-based Texas Local Media, owner of Dewitt County Publishing.

“Kayla has proven herself to be an effective manager in her previous roles, and we look forward to seeing her employ the same skills in the total operation of the newspapers,” Farrow said. “We believe the community will appreciate the improvements she makes.”

A graduate of Cuero High School, Shaffer previously worked as a correction officer. 

She is married to Myranda Trentman-Shaffer who is a part-time staff writer for the newspapers and works for Cuero Regional Hospital as an EMS paramedic. They have three daughters.

Victoria Advocate names Monique Brand managing editor

VICTORIA – The Victoria Advocate has named Monique Brand as its new managing editor, marking a new chapter in the newsroom’s continued commitment to community-centered journalism and digital innovation.

Brand, a U.S. Navy veteran, joins the Advocate with a strong record of newsroom leadership and storytelling excellence.

Within her 18 years in journalism, for the past three years she has served as assistant news director and interim news director for three TEGNA television stations, including Central Texas-based KAGS/ KCEN-TV. Under her previous leadership, she helped guide her team in West Texas to become the top-rated news operation in their market.

Prior to that role, she was the managing editor for the Lampasas Dispatch Record. During her 20-month tenure at the Dispatch Record, the editorial team snagged nine out of 12 categories in the 2022 Texas Press Association Awards and garnered two sweepstakes honors. Brand also was a city hall and crime reporter for a Killeen-based newspaper and several Central Texas television stations.

The three-time Lone Star Emmy and 17-time Associated Press award winner also worked as an investigative reporter in Kerrville, Arizona, Los Angeles and Norfolk, Virginia.

She has also won top honors in the Texas Managing Editors awards.

In 2016, Brand was honored by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Major James Kerr Chapter, for her “service to the community and country.”

Brand has deep ties to Victoria as her parents — mother Oscar Hernandez and late father Rick Perkins — were longtime residents of Victoria. Perkins once worked with the Advocate to compile his own publication; the Voices United Publication of Victoria.

“I’m honored to join the Advocate and to lead a newsroom with such a rich history of community service,” Brand said. “Together, we’ll continue to tell stories that matter — stories that inform, inspire, and reflect the heart of Victoria and the Crossroads region.”

With Brand’s leadership, the Advocate looks ahead to expanding its digital reach, deepening local coverage, and continuing its proud tradition as South Texas’ trusted news source since 1846, Regional Publisher Justin Wilcox said.