Cline to lead operations, audience growth at The Paper

Amanda Cline has joined The Paper as director of operations, audience, and strategic initiatives. In the newly created role, she will support the company’s day-to-day operations while helping strengthen audience relationships and move forward projects tied to The Paper’s long-term growth.

The new position is an example of The Paper’s commitment to building the internal structure needed to serve our readers with responsible local journalism, customer support, and community connection.

She replaces Lilly Brown, who resigned to begin a career in the medical arena. Brown was a member of The Paper team since its first publication, Feb. 4, 2023.

Reporting to Publisher Allen VanNoppen and Executive Editor Angela Kuper Copeland, Cline’s direct responsibilities center on managing subscriptions, circulation and audience growth, and supporting print and digital advertising to local businesses.

Cline brings eight years of newspaper experience to the job, including six years in the advertising department at The News Herald.

“Amanda knows Morganton, she knows newspapers, and she understands the importance of relationships in a community like ours,” Copeland said. “We’re excited to have her energy, experience, and fresh ideas at The Paper as we continue building a stronger local news organization for Burke County.”

She graduated from Freedom High School in 2009 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication from the University of North Carolina at Asheville in 2015.

Before joining The Paper, Cline spent three years outside the newspaper industry, gaining experience in healthcare and real estate.

“I’m excited to return to the newspaper world and be part of a team so committed to Burke County,” Cline said. “The Paper has quickly become an important voice in the community, and I’m looking forward to helping strengthen its operations, grow its audience, and support the local journalism readers depend on.”

Cline and her husband, Victor, live in downtown Morganton. They enjoy spending time with family, friends, and their two dogs, Toby and Scout. She also enjoys learning to cook authentic Japanese cuisine, traveling, attending funk rock concerts, camping, and exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains.