New leader of Ledger-Enquirer. McClatchy Media announces top editor in Columbus

The Ledger-Enquirer has a new leader.

Sacramento-based McClatchy Media, owner of the L-E among and 29 other newsrooms across the United States, has announced the promotion of Mark Rice to the company’s top editor in Columbus.

Rice, whose new title is associate editor, was the senior reporter and deputy editor under Jeremy Chisenhall, who returned home to Kentucky to be the executive editor of the Lexington Herald-Leader. Rice will continue to report on local news in addition to his editing duties.

“We are excited to have Mark take on this new and important role working with our talented team in Columbus,” said Steve Coffman, president and editor of the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram, who also works with the leaders of McClatchy’s Georgia newsrooms. “Mark’s commitment and passion for the Ledger-Enquirer and the community are unmatched.”

During his 34 years at the L-E, Rice’s awarding-winning journalism has covered nearly every topic in the Chattahoochee Valley, including education, sports, government, politics, business, crime and features. Most recently, he won first place for investigative reporting and for education writing in the 2025 Georgia Press Association contest.

“I’m honored and grateful to be selected for this new role while still working in a career I love with people I love in a place I love,” Rice said. “Local journalism is vital to any community, and the L-E has a long and successful record of producing crucial and compelling content. My colleagues and I are committed to delivering on this expectation. We welcome you to help by giving us a holler whenever you have a local news tip.”

Rice can be reached at 706-576-6272 or mrice@ledger-enquirer.com.