Brittany N. Howerton, an assistant editor at The Alabama Baptist (TAB), has left her position to join the ministry of Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters in Andrews, N.C.
Her fiance, John Ragon, has been serving in a full-time capacity for the past year at Snowbird, a high-adventure Christian wilderness camp.
The two will wed in September.
“The Alabama Baptist offered me more than a job. It offered me challenges, blessings, growth and family,” Howerton said. “I look forward to the ministry to which God has called John and me and the ways He will continue to grow us there, but Alabama Baptists will forever hold a special place in my heart and in my ministry.
“‘Train them up,’ Proverbs says. I am proud to say The Alabama Baptist and its churches have been a part of my training ground.”
She joined the staff of the state Baptist newspaper in 2008 and helped it win multiple national awards. She also won two individual awards for feature writing and photography.
“Brittany will certainly be missed at The Alabama Baptist,” said Jennifer Davis Rash, TAB managing editor. “We knew right away she had star potential. She has worked hard, learned quickly and contributed in countless ways to the production of the state Baptist paper. It won’t be the same without her around, but we wish her well in her new ministry and know she will shine there as well.”
Howerton’s last day at the paper was April 30.
As she leaves, Kristen Padilla joins the editorial staff as news writer.
Padilla holds a bachelor of arts in Christian studies (with a minor in speech communication) from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark., and master of divinity from Beeson Divinity School at Samford University in Birmingham.
She has worked in a part-time capacity at the paper for a year, writing news and feature stories, doing research and contributing to the publication in page layout and design.
“Kristen has already proven to be a valuable asset to The Alabama Baptist and will fit right in as a full-time staff member,” Rash said. “Growing up a preacher’s kid in Southern Baptist churches, combined with her divinity school education, only accentuates her research and writing abilities, her professionalism and her sweet spirit.
“We are excited to bring Kristen on board full time.”
Padilla, who recently married, is a member of Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Vestavia Hills. She will begin her new role May 17.
TAB also welcomes Don Coxe to the staff as financial administrator.
Coxe holds a bachelor of science in accounting from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond and a master of business administration in finance from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.
“I’m excited to be a member of the team at The Alabama Baptist and look forward to serving the readership and organization,” he said.
Coxe fills the position vacated by Bethany Dunlap. (TAB)
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