Cochise County has appointed journalist and communications field veteran Amanda Baillie as its new public information officer.

The position was left vacant when Lisa Marra moved to the position of county elections director.

Baillie, a 13-year resident of Sierra Vista, has over 20 years of experience in the newspaper and communications industry and is co-host of the Friday Focus Morning news and talk radio program. She has previously served as the Sierra Vista Area Chamber of Commerce’s former executive director and as project manager of the Sierra Vista Food Co-op.

“This is an exciting time to be a part of the Cochise County team,” Baillie said in a press release. “There are numerous possibilities ahead regarding economic development, regional partnerships, and common sense growth, and I am looking forward to keeping our residents updated and informed about these opportunities, and the role the County has to play.”

Baillie has edited and written for the Herald/Review’s Vitality and Discover Cochise magazines and has worked as a communications consultant for the Sierra Vista Chamber, The Cochise Water Project and Wellness Connections.

“Sharing information with the public is a fundamental responsibility of government and we are fortunate to have a person of Amanda’s character and professionalism join our public service team,” Cochise County administrator Ed Gilligan said in a statement.