The Selma Times-Journal announced the hiring of two new reporters recently, welcoming both Ashley Johnson and Taylor Holland to the staff.

Both are recent graduates of the University of Alabama, receiving their journalism degrees, and both are Georgia natives.

Holland began working at the Times-Journal Monday, May 7, while Johnson began Monday.

“These are two tremendously talented young journalists,” Times-Journal editor Tim Reeves said. “I fully expect them to add a tremendous amount to our community journalism mission and help us expand and develop our coverage of happenings in this part of the Black Belt.”

Johnson, who grew up in Marietta, Ga., was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and served as social chairman. She also worked an internship with CNN during the highly publicized Casey Anthony trial and a section editor for Alpine Living.

“The only thing that excites me more than getting to cover the news in Selma is getting to know the people here and learn more about the area,” Johnson said. “I look forward to trying to tell the story of this beautiful southern city.”

Holland, who is from the Atlanta area, was news editor for The Crimson White and was on the staff of The Tuscaloosa News during the newspaper’s coverage of the devastating tornado on April 27, 2011.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Times-Journal staff,” Holland said. “I’m happy I was able to stay in Alabama after graduating from UA, and I’m even happier to be able to call Selma home.”

In addition to their work with The Selma Times-Journal, the pair will also contribute regularly to Spanish Moss, and the Times-Journal’s digital edition at www.selmatimesjournal.com.

To reach Holland, you can email him at taylor.holland@selmatimesjournal.com. Johnson can be reached by email as well at ashley.johnson@selmatimesjournal.com.