Jamila Khalil has been named publisher of the Warrensburg Star-Journal and the Sedalia Democrat, as announced this month by Phillips Media Group, the Star-Journal’s parent company.
Khalil most recently served as the sales manager and general manager of The Las Cruces Bulletin in Las Cruces, New Mexico. However, moving to the Midwest marks a return home for Khalil. Originally from California, she grew up in Missouri and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a bachelor’s in journalism.
“I am excited to join the team at the Sedalia Democrat and Warrensburg Star-Journal,” Khalil said. “This is a hard-working and highly experienced group, dedicated to providing the community with local news and information. They have created two quality publications and I am proud to work with them.”
Khalil has worked for a number of news organizations, including newspapers in St. Louis, Anchorage, Alaska, Los Angeles, Fayetteville, North Carolina, Kingman, Arizona, and most recently, Las Cruces, New Mexico. Her roles ranged from account executive for national advertising customers to sales manager, advertising director, and publisher.
“I’m happy to have Jamila join our group of talented employees in Sedalia and Warrensburg,” said Jim Holland, president of Phillips Media Group. “She is the right person to take the organization to the next level. Her extensive background in leading advertising sales and her passion for local newspapers are a great fit for the Democrat and Star-Journal.”
Her personal interests involve animal charities, travel, books, genealogy, music – everything from opera to Swedish pop – and people-watching. She is a self-proclaimed history buff, specifically the War of the Roses.
With a career in local newspapers, Khalil said she understands how vital a newspaper can be to communities like Sedalia and Warrensburg.
“Community newspapers provide news coverage that you often can’t find elsewhere,” Khalil said. “I enjoy working with newspapers like the Democrat and Star-Journal, and I look forward to getting to know both communities.”
Khalil replaces former Publisher Jim Perry, who left the Star-Journal in April to pursue other opportunities.
Khalil can be contacted at 660-826-1000 ext. 1503 or jamilak@warrensburgstarjournal.com.