Ashford named to lead in Pryor, Okla.

Carolyn Ashford

Carolyn Ashford has been named publisher of The Pryor (Okla.) Times.

Ashford takes over the position from Bailey Dabney who served as publisher of both the Claremore (Okla.) Daily Progress and the Pryor Times for the past two years. Dabney will continue to serve as publisher of the Claremore newspaper.

"Carolyn gives the Pryor Times and CNHI a unique perspective that only former newspaper owners have," said Mike Beatty, publisher and regional executive for CNHI. "Having to wear every hat in the newspaper as an owner, she will give us a new, fresh perspective as we grow our advertising base and grow audience."

Ashford is a veteran newspaper publisher who has owned newspapers in Ohio, Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma. She most recently owned two newspapers in the Tulsa area, the Bristow News and Record Citizen and the Oklahoma News Weekly. She served as chief of staff to a Missouri governor, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and chief of staff to a Missouri state representative.

She holds an undergraduate degree in political science and a master's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

"I am very excited about the opportunity to be part of such a dynamic city," Ashford said. "I look forward to being able to help tell the story of the great things happening in Mayes County. We know the newspaper belongs to the community, and we are eager to continue telling about the accomplishments and developments of the area. I am looking forward to meeting and working with community leaders on the future of the city."

Ashford plans to be active in local civic groups, schools and chambers of commerce.