The Greenville Advocate welcomed two new additions to its staff this week. Susan Braden and Rick Couch stepped aboard Monday as new members of the Advocate team.

Braden, a lifelong resident of Greenville, returns to the Advocate as an advertising sales consultant.

Braden, who previously did a 10-year stint with the Advocate, was happy to be back.

&uot;I just felt that it was an appropriate time in my career and my life to return to the Advocate,&uot; said Braden. &uot;I am very happy to be back.&uot;

Braden resides in Greenville with her husband Troy and their two children Adam Bailey, 12, and Kathryn Wood, 7.

Braden felt the position would give her a chance to become reacquainted with many old friends.

&uot;I look forward to seeing some of my old friends as well as meeting some new clients,&uot; said Braden. &uot;I hope that I can be a positive addition the staff.&uot;

Joining Braden as a general assignment reporter will be Rick Couch. Couch, a 2003 graduate of the University of South Alabama will cover a variety of issues from city/county government, law enforcement and will aid Sports Editor Adam Prestridge in sports coverage.

&uot;I’m very happy to be here,&uot; Couch said. &uot;The staff has been very friendly and helpful in my transition from college student to career professional. Greenville has a very welcome, hometown feeling and I look forward to many years here.&uot;

Advertising Manager Tracy Salter expressed her excitement over Braden’s return to the Advocate.

&uot;I know Susan’s history with the Advocate and have long wanted her to return to our team here,&uot; she said. &uot;I believe we have built an excellent advertising team with Susan and Sherry Prevett and I believe this will up our dedication to service to our clients.&uot;

Managing Editor Jay Thomas said the addition of Couch would bring a new perspective to news coverage of Butler County.

&uot;Rick is very community-minded and I think he fits in very well with the goals we have set as the community’s newspaper,&uot; Thomas said. &uot;His education and life experience brings an added element to our staff and I expect great things from him in the future.&uot;

He is the son of Melvin and Linda Couch of Butler. He previously worked as a correspondent for the Mobile Register and also the Troy Messenger.

&uot;I’m very pleased that both Susan and Rick have joined our team,&uot; said

Greenville Newspapers’ Publisher Dennis Palmer. &uot;Susan has a long,

successful history of serving the businesspeople of Butler County and

we’re proud to have her back representing us. And although this is

Rick’s first opportunity to serve as a reporter in a community newspaper

environment, his enthusiasm and initiative will serve both the community

and Greenville Newspapers well.&uot;

Call Couch with news tips at 383-9203, ext. 132 and for advertising needs, Braden can be reached at 383-9203, ext. 121.