Her Story
About Jill
Jill Holloway is a seasoned journalism and media professional who serves as Managing Editor at Thomasville Times-Enterprise and Regional Editor at The Post Searchlight in Georgia. With nearly a decade of experience in the newspaper industry, she oversees day-to-day newsroom operations, writes and edits news content, manages reporters and freelancers, and contributes to special editions and lifestyle magazines. Her career began at The Post Searchlight shortly after graduating from the University of Alabama, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a magazine-focused track and helped develop the student lifestyle publication Alice Magazine.
Throughout her career, Jill has built a reputation for thoughtful reporting, editorial leadership, and a commitment to meaningful community journalism. She advanced from reporter to managing editor at The Post Searchlight before taking on her current leadership role, where she manages content across publications serving Thomasville and Bainbridge. Her professional accomplishments include receiving the inaugural Reporting on Mental Health Award from the Georgia Press Association, an honor that carried particular personal significance following the loss of her childhood best friend to suicide. Jill has also expanded her understanding of the communities she covers through programs such as Leadership Thomasville and a police citizen academy, strengthening her ability to report on complex local issues with greater perspective.
Jill credits mentorship, collaboration, and continuous learning as important influences on her professional development. A former mentor, Powell Cobb, encouraged her to preserve reporters’ individual voices while creating a supportive newsroom environment—principles Jill now incorporates into her own leadership and mentoring approach. Beyond journalism, she is involved in community service through organizations including the United Way, Junior Service League of Thomasville, Young Life, and Operation Christmas Child. Through her editorial work and community involvement, Jill continues to champion local storytelling, responsible journalism, and the importance of maintaining strong community newspapers.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jill
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the mentorship I received from Powell Cobb, our former managing editor, who taught me strong editing skills while helping me maintain my own voice and fostering a supportive environment. As I later became a mentor to reporters such as Ethan, I followed Powell’s step-by-step approach but also learned that each person has a unique learning style, which has shaped how I support and develop others.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering communication is to embrace different learning styles and help create a supportive environment where mistakes are viewed as opportunities to learn. Journalism can be demanding and time-consuming, especially as newsrooms continue to shrink, but it is also deeply rewarding. Stay adaptable, keep learning, and recognize the value your work can bring to others.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value meaningful work, service, and making a positive difference in the lives of others. My career in journalism has allowed me to grow from my first job after college to becoming an editor and earning an inaugural mental health reporting award, an achievement that was especially meaningful after losing my childhood best friend to suicide. Outside of work, I value giving back through Operation Christmas Child, coordinating shoebox collections and thoughtfully selecting gifts and necessities based on each recipient’s age and gender.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.