Jana Gray has been named publisher of the Austin Daily Herald in Austin, Minn., and president of Austin Newspapers, Inc.

An Austin native and a Daily Herald employee since 2001, Gray has been a salesperson, sales manager and operations manager at the newspaper. “I’m excited to have this opportunity,” Gray said. “It’s a great chance to continue serving the Austin community.”

Gray has two daughters — Trinity, 14, and Destiny, 11 — and is active in coaching youth sports in the Austin community.

Gray is active with the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, the Austin Rotary, St. Olaf Lutheran Church, and other clubs and organizations.

Dave Churchill, the Herald’s publisher for the past four years, will work on other projects for the company and said he looks forward to remaining connected to the Herald and Austin community.