An editor with more than 21 years of journalism experience joins the staff of the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business this month.

As the new editor, Kristina Lord will oversee coverage for the Journal of Business’ various print and digital products.

“We are very excited to have Kristina on board to continue our company’s tradition of comprehensive, quality coverage of the Mid-Columbia business community. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for news that we are very excited to integrate into our publications,” Melanie Hoefer, general manager of the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business, said.

Lord replaces Managing Editor Mary Coffman, who left after nearly eight years to work as the marketing manager for CueSports International in Henderson, Nev.

The longtime newswoman Lord said she’s excited about her new position and eager to build upon the Journal of Business’ foundation of delivering insider, behind-the-scenes stories about local businesses and the people who run them.

“The area has such a diverse business landscape. We boast a rich agricultural history as well as well as some of the brightest people in the science and technology industry. I’m excited to play a role in covering our vibrant business community,” Lord said.

Lord comes to the Journal of Business after spending 17 years at the Tri-City Herald. She was promoted through the ranks, from reporter to assistant city editor, to city editor, to assistant managing editor. She helped manage a newsroom of 20 staffers produce a daily newspaper and the Herald’s digital content. She also worked at weekly newspapers in Prosser, Grandview and Yelm.

Lord and her husband John Hulick, a high school social studies teacher who is also a master chief in the Naval Reserve, have two daughters, ages 7 and 10. They live in West Richland.

Lord starts at the Journal of Business July 18. Reach her at editor@tcjournal.biz or 509-737-8778 ext. 3.