Mackensy Lunsford to leave Xpress for new Gannett project

Gannett made her an offer she couldn’t refuse.

The corporate newspaper chain will be launching a new product soon. Former Verve editor Jess McCuan will be at the helm. She and Citizen-Times publisher Randy Hammer have recruited Xpress food writer, Mackensy Lunsford, to play an active role in the publication.

We are proud of Lunsford and the work she’s done in the more than two years that she’s been our full-time food writer. Before that, she was Xpress food writer for several years, leaving to start her own restaurant and then rejoining to help revamp the food section. Most recently, she earned first place in the national AAN contest for food writing in our circulation bracket.

“It’s been an amazing ride,” Lunsford says. “I can’t say enough about the wonderful and creative staff of Xpress and our supportive readers. Thanks for reading and be nice to the new guy (or gal as the case may be).”

Lunsford will be leaving Xpress by the end of the month. In the meantime, we’ll be looking for another full-time food writer as well as some freelance writers with similar zeal, smarts and creativity.

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2 thoughts on “Mackensy Lunsford to leave Xpress for new Gannett project

  1. Matthew Burd

    Since I have, in the past, writen a letter to the editor on the subject of boycotting Gannet I dont feel too bad about being negative here. I understand peoples desire to move up on the capitalist food chain*, but I curse Gannet for offering the bait. I hope their creative spirits* aren’t stifled by the hand that feeds* them.

    *puns are sweet.

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