Megan Hansen has been named editor of The Whidbey Examiner and The Whidbey News-Times.

Hansen spent the past four years as assistant editor of the Nisqually Valley News in Yelm.

“I’m excited to have Megan join our team,” said Kasia Pierzga, publisher of the News-Times, the Examiner and The South Whidbey Record.

“She brings not only her experience in news reporting and editing, but also a commitment to being involved with the community.”

Hansen said she’s looking forward to exploring North and Central Whidbey, and getting to know the people in both communities.

“I believe that community is what shapes a newspaper. And in order to effectively cover the news, we need to know the people,” Hansen said. “I look forward to getting to know the communities that help shape Whidbey Island.”

Hansen’s background includes more than five years with the Nisqually Valley News. Originally from Bonney Lake, she holds a bachelor’s degree in print journalism from Central Washington University.

Hansen will be based in the main newsroom in Coupeville.

As Hansen begins her new job, Supervising Editor Jim Larsen, who has been in charge of editorial content for the News-Times and Record, will shift into a more focused role as editor of The South Whidbey Record. Larsen has been editor of the South Whidbey Record for most of the past 30 years.

The change in newsroom leadership coincides with the return of the Record office to South Whidbey. Record staff will move into a new office in Langley next month.

The Record office will be housed at 211 Second St., Suite 8, in the building that previously housed a retail shop called Chic Debris.

“My aim is to make sure Whidbey Island’s community newspapers are engaged and connected with the communities they cover,” Pierzga said. “Bringing on a new editor for the News-Times and Examiner and returning the Record to its home community in South Whidbey are a step toward achieving that goal.”