Britney Fletcher-West has been hired as a new reporter for the Kitsap News Group.

Her home base will be covering stories for the Port Orchard Independent. But she will also be covering stories of Kitsap County-wide importance for the Bainbridge Island Review and North Kitsap Herald.

Fletcher-West is a 2022 graduate of Troy University in Troy, Ala. Her bachelor’s degree is in Communication with an emphasis on public relations and marketing, but also journalism. As an undergraduate, she worked for the Dothan City Schools in Dothan, Ala., as their public information officer intern and was hired as their communications specialist after graduation. After moving to the Pacific Northwest with her Navy husband she went on to work as marketing and communications manager for a medical spa in Silverdale.

In addition to her professional and educational experience, Fletcher-West serves as the FRG president for the USS Nebraska Gold crew, the vessel her husband, David West Sr., is attached to as a sailor. A mother to 9-month-old David II, she is pursuing a master’s degree in Strategic Communications from Troy University and is passionate about the role of journalism in storytelling and fact-sharing.

“We are so fortunate to have Britney join our team,” said Steve Powell, editor of the Kitsap News Group. “She has tough shoes to fill, but I have no doubt she will do a great job.”

The previous reporter in that job, Elisha Meyer, is now covering sports for the Kitsap News Group.