Carole Tarrant

Carole Tarrant, who has served as managing editor of The Roanoke Times for two years, has been named editor.

In making the announcement today, publisher Debbie Meade said Tarrant was selected for her innovation and ability to reach new audiences in the digital age.

"Her news judgment is impeccable; she respects her colleagues and our craft, and she makes excellent decisions in consultation with those around her. She has a bold vision for the newsroom and is prepared to lead the way to the future,” Meade said.

Tarrant, 42, joined The Roanoke Times in January 2005 as managing editor, supervising the newsroom staff of 123, and fostering the integration of print and online journalism. Prior to coming to Roanoke, Tarrant served as managing editor of The (Fargo, N.D.) Forum.

“I have been honored to lead this enterprising newsroom, and in this new role as editor, I am looking forward to interacting more with our community and cultivating dialogue to better understand and connect with the issues affecting our region,” said Tarrant.

Tarrant replaces Mike Riley, who left The Roanoke Times in February to become editor and senior vice president at Congressional Quarterly in Washington. Since Riley’s departure, Tarrant has assumed the newsroom’s top job, including leading the unprecedented coverage of the Virginia Tech shootings.

A graduate of West Virginia University, Tarrant began her journalism career at The Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser. She then went on to The Tampa Tribune, where she spent over 13 years in various positions, including copy editor, reporter, bureau chief and team leader, before becoming managing editor at The Forum.