Rhonda James

The Times-Republican is excited to announce the hiring of Rhonda James as its new general manager and advertising director.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the Marshalltown area and working with this team,” she said. “Everyone has been positive so far. I’m excited to work for the T-R and carry on its great legacy.”

James, who resides in Grundy Center, has previous experience in the newspaper business from her time as a marketing representative at The Grundy Register, where she worked with current T-R editor Robert Maharry. In her new role, she will oversee day-to-day operations at the T-R and its three sister weekly newspapers — the Tama-Toledo News-Chronicle, North Tama Telegraph and Sun-Courier.

While her three grandchildren — 12-year-old Bentley, eight-year-old Remington and six-year-old HarperFaye — always keep her occupied, James still finds time to stay actively involved in her community in a number of ways.

She is currently serving a two-year term as the secretary for the Grundy Center Women’s Club. In October, she helped organize the first annual Stitchin’ for a Cure Quilt Show in conjunction with Girls Night Out.

James has also been an active Kiwanian for the past three years. She is currently a Grundy Center Kiwanis Board Member and president elect. She chartered the first ever K-Kids Club in March 2022 for Grundy Center and serves as the Kiwanis Advisor/Facilitator for the group of 22 third and fourth grade members. In addition, she teaches religious education on Wednesday evenings for American Lutheran and Bethany Presbyterian churches.

Terry Christensen, who has served as the T-R’s interim publisher since August, is also excited about the prospect of bringing James onboard with her sales experience and positive personality.

“We are fortunate to have Rhonda join our team. She is looking forward to visiting local advertisers and businesses. Rhonda brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to our family of newspapers,” Christensen said.