Stacey Adams Takes the Helm of Gold Mountain California News Media Cluster

When the sun rises over Placer County, a new voice will guide its paper readers.

Stacey Adams will step into the editor’s chair for Gold Mountain California News Media on Aug. 4, 2026, following the retirement of long‑time editor Bill Poindexter. The cluster—comprising the Auburn Journal, Folsom Telegraph, Roseville Press Tribune, Placer Herald, Loomis News, Lincoln News Messenger, and the Granite Bay View monthly—serves the heart of Gold Country.

Adams began her career as a reporter at the Auburn Journal after earning a degree from George Fox University in Oregon. A former interior‑design student at Sacramento State, she switched to journalism after a class project that involved interviewing Good Day Sacramento host Courtney Dempsey. Two years ago, she was promoted to assistant editor, a role in which she has overseen copy editing, mentored junior staff, and helped shape the cluster’s content strategy.

Poindexter, who has spent six decades in journalism, praised Adams as “the most loyal, trustworthy, diligent and willing‑to‑learn employee” he has ever had. He added that the two have worked side‑by‑side for 6 ½ years and that Adams has taught him the art of finding story angles while becoming a solid copy editor.

As one of the few African‑American women in a print‑media leadership position, Adams joins a small group highlighted by a 2018 Women’s Media Center report that found women of color hold only about 2 % of media print and digital leadership roles. She has also earned multiple CNPA photography awards and is eager to bring fresh voices—such as college and high‑school students—into the newsroom.

Balancing a demanding new job with motherhood, Adams welcomed her daughter Anaya with boyfriend Dominique about a year ago. She says she has been working long days at the office while still being present at home. Adams believes the future of newspapers remains viable because many readers still prefer the tactile experience of a physical paper.

The transition is expected to be smooth. After months of training, Adams plans to keep the cluster’s operations steady while gradually introducing changes that reflect her editorial vision. Gold Mountain will continue to cover local government, community events, and regional news for Placer County residents.

As of now, the cluster’s leadership is unchanged except for the new editor. The next steps involve Adams officially taking the role on Aug. 4 and beginning her work with the Auburn Journal and the other titles in the cluster.