Caroline Williams
Publisher
Caroline Williams has more than 15 years of experience in journalism and media leadership across the Southeast. She has led Florence News Journal since its transition to a digital-first platform, guiding its growth as an independent voice for Florence County.
Before joining the organization, she held editorial and management roles at regional publications and digital news ventures, with a focus on community engagement and sustainable local journalism models. With a college degree in journalism, Caroline is passionate about the role of local news in fostering informed, connected communities.
Kinsley Brown
Editor
Kinsley Brown oversees daily news operations, story development, and editorial standards at Florence News Journal. With nearly a decade of experience in South Carolina journalism, she has covered state and local politics, education, and government accountability for multiple outlets.
She brings a strong focus on clear, accurate, and reader-first storytelling. Kinsley holds a degree in journalism and has received several recognitions for both her editing and reporting. She is especially committed to mentoring emerging journalists and ensuring Florence News Journal maintains rigorous editorial integrity.
Henry Hall
News Desk Lead
Henry Hall leads the news desk and directs coverage of breaking news, public safety, local government, and investigative reporting. A journalist with several years of experience, he previously reported and edited at daily newspapers across South Carolina and the Southeast.
Henry is known for building deep sources throughout Florence County and for his ability to translate complex issues into reporting that matters to residents. A longtime resident of the Florence area, he is deeply invested in the community he covers.
Thomas Turner
Staff Writer
Thomas Turner covers local government, politics, community affairs, and public records for Florence News Journal. A Florence native, he brings deep local knowledge and a passion for telling the stories of the people who live and work in the Pee Dee region.
Prior to joining the team, he reported for regional publications with a focus on education, economic development, and government transparency. Thomas is known for clear, accessible writing and strong sourcing. He remains active in several Florence-area community organizations.
Easton Griffin
Staff writer – In-Depth & Analysis
Easton Griffin specializes in in-depth reporting and analysis on the social, economic, and quality-of-life issues shaping Florence County and the broader Pee Dee. With a background in data-informed journalism and narrative storytelling, Easton examines topics including housing, healthcare access, education, and workforce development.
Before joining Florence News Journal, Easton contributed to digital news platforms and research-driven reporting projects across South Carolina. With additional training in data journalism, Easton is committed to producing reporting that helps readers understand not only what is happening, but why it matters.
Sydney Vaughn
Remote Policy and Politics Reporter | Based in New York City, New York
Sydney Vaughn covers U.S. politics, Congress, White House developments, immigration policy and major federal legislation. Working remotely from New York City, Vaughn focuses on explaining complex political stories in clear language for online readers, with attention to how federal decisions affect families, workers and local communities. Vaughn studied communications and political reporting in New York and started out writing for student news publications, covering elections, public meetings and policy debates before moving into digital political coverage.
Sydney joined Florence News Journal in April of 2025