Her Story
About Jacqueline
Jacqueline Miles is a retired newspaper publisher, entrepreneur, and financial services professional whose career spans journalism, banking, international finance, and mortgage lending. She began her publishing career in 2006 with the Pensacola Voice, a family-owned newspaper founded in the 1960s, before launching the Gulf Coast Voice in 2012 to expand community news coverage across the region. Drawing on a first-class FCC Broadcast Engineering certification, one year of college, and decades of hands-on experience she proudly calls the "School of Hard Knocks," Miles built a career defined by resilience, adaptability, and a passion for serving her community through honest reporting and strong business leadership.
As publisher, Miles managed every aspect of newspaper operations, from editorial planning and writing to advertising sales, production deadlines, and staff development. She specialized in training sales teams, meeting aggressive sales and publication goals, and producing community-centered journalism that informed and connected readers. Before dedicating herself fully to publishing, she owned and operated AYS Financial Services, combining her expertise in mortgage lending, banking, and international finance with her entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout her career, she has remained a strong advocate for objective journalism, believing that accurate, balanced reporting plays a vital role in strengthening communities and fostering informed public dialogue.
After closing the newspaper in 2018 and undergoing heart surgery the following year, Miles retired from publishing and shifted her focus toward personal fulfillment and community service. She has remained active through volunteer work with children and after-school programs at her church while enjoying gardening, cooking, golf, and spending time with her dogs. Looking ahead, she hopes to combine her lifelong commitment to service with humanitarian efforts centered on agriculture and journalism education, particularly in underserved communities. Whether mentoring others, supporting local initiatives, or envisioning future projects abroad, Jacqueline Miles continues to embody the values of integrity, perseverance, and meaningful community impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jacqueline
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the opportunity to publish a newspaper and the privilege of connecting with people through journalism. Being able to inform, engage, and serve my community has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. I’ve always believed that meaningful journalism has the power to bring people together, encourage civic engagement, and make a lasting impact.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in journalism today is the growing perception that objectivity has been replaced by political bias, making it more difficult to deliver straightforward, balanced reporting. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunities in community-driven journalism that focuses on serving local audiences with integrity. I’m also passionate about expanding humanitarian efforts internationally, particularly in Africa, where I hope to combine journalism, education, and agriculture to support food security, empower communities, and help develop future generations of journalists.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and personal life are honesty, objectivity, and service. I believe in approaching every story and every opportunity with integrity, remaining committed to the facts, and staying connected to the people and communities I serve. I also value being actively involved—whether through journalism, community initiatives, or humanitarian work—because meaningful change comes from genuine engagement and a willingness to contribute.
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