Introducing Shoofly’s New Editor: Kirby Rhodes

Big Buzz Blog - May 2022

 Since our Big Buzz feature in March 2022 announcing the acquisition of the Shoofly Magazine by MAC Media, there is more exciting news afoot - the Shoofly Magazine now has a new managing editor! 
 
- By Melanie Cole

Kirby Rhodes, new editor of the Shoofly Magazine.

This Big Buzz ​is supported by our Partners:

 
Please join us in welcoming Kirby Rhodes, who began working with the Shoofly in October 2022 and took over her new position as editor in February 2023.
 
A chance meeting at a Hancock Chamber event led to a budding partnership with Shoofly co-publishers Wendy McDonald and Jessica Bilotta, who took the helm in 2022. Kirby will be adding her nine years of content creation and writing experience to the executive lineup.
 
Jessica said, “Wendy and I are thrilled with the addition of Kirby to our team. In addition to her professional qualifications, she is a lifelong resident of Hancock County who has a deep understanding our local community and content that resonates with our readers.”
 
She will be the newest member of the publication’s production and leadership team, who remain dedicated to expanding the Shoofly Magazine’s reach while maintaining the quality of content its readers have come to depend upon.
 
After completing a Master of Science degree in Homeland Security at the University of Mississippi, Kirby began working as a government contractor in research and analysis. Four years later, she was surprised to discover that she really enjoyed the writing aspects of her job and decided to start her own professional writing consultation business.
 

(l-r) Former Shoofly publisher/editor Ellis Anderson with co-publishers Wendy McDonald and Jessica Bilotta.

KLR Consulting, Kirby’s consultation firm, was founded to provide writing services to small agencies and organizations that need assistance with professional writing projects without the resources to hire someone full time.
 
She has since provided services in person and online to a variety of people and organizations, with a focus on higher education, nonprofit funding opportunities, and law enforcement publications. These have included helping clients to expand current projects, develop community programs, launch businesses, produce academic publications, and write grant applications.
 
The professional writing, social media consultation, and editorial solutions for other diverse media all paved the way for Kirby’s newest role as managing editor of the Shoofly Magazine. Kirby said, “I’m thrilled to be working with Wendy and Jessica. Managing an editorial calendar is a new challenge, but with the talented team of contributors already on staff, it’s been a breeze.”
 
The Shoofly Magazine mission is to enhance the quality of life for residents, provide resources to visitors, and promote local businesses.
 
The entire Shoofly team remains deeply committed to these goals. Locals, expats, second homeowners, business owners, visitors, and those seeking to relocate here can all continue to depend upon the Shoofly to keep a finger on the area’s pulse.
 
Thank you for helping make it all possible!
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