Susan Kelly-Gilbert has joined Summerville Communications as its new publisher and advertising manager.

She is also publisher of Georgetown Communications, which publishes the Georgetown Times and South Strand News.

Kelly-Gilbert began with the community news organization in October, working out of the company’s Summerville office on East Doty Avenue. Summerville Communications publishes three community papers, the Summerville Journal Scene, The Berkeley Independent and The (Goose Creek) Gazette, as well as their accompanying websites, journalscene.com, berkeleyind.com and ourgazette.com.

Gilbert comes to Summerville from the Chattanooga Times Free Press, where she worked as the Display Advertising Manager.

Prior to that she served as president and publisher of the Anderson Independent Mail, a Gannett publication in Anderson, South Carolina. She’s also held management positions with the E.W. Scripps Company, Media News Group and the Colorado Springs Gazette.

Her most recent position in Chattanooga included oversight of local territory sales and identifying and initiating programs and opportunities within the market.

“I think spending time in the field the last few years, working with small businesses, has given me a fresh outlook on how a media company and weekly newspapers can better partner with the business community,” Kelly-Gilbert said. “I look forward to getting to know the Summerville/Goose Creek/Moncks Corner communities.”

Kelly-Gilbert was born and raised in Miami, and attended Florida International University, where her first newspaper experience began in a clerical position for The Miami Herald.

Her husband Robert Gilbert is a retired media executive with 30-plus years experience in journalism and new media. 

“We have a 27-year-old son (Harry) working toward a doctorate degree at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts,” Kelly-Gilbert said.
“I’m excited to return to South Carolina,” she said. “I’m a Miami girl and so happy to be nearer to water for the first time in many years. My husband, Bob, and I spent a weekend in Summerville and found it to be so charming, welcoming and possessing an energy that excites us about this move back. We experienced the Sweet Tea Festival, explored neighborhoods and enjoyed the local dining scene. Can’t wait for more new, fascinating discoveries.”

Summerville Communications is part of the Evening Post Industries family, which also publishes The Post and Courier in Charleston.