By Barbara Augsdorfer, Editor for the Effingham Herald

Laurel Pate, 23, has been hired as a multimedia sales executive for the Effingham Herald. She joins Christy Sanders, who has been with the paper since 2016. Pate’s first day with the Effingham Herald was Jan. 24.

Pate is a native Effingham County resident. Her family has deep roots in the county and can trace their arrival to Georgia with the Salzburgers.

A self-described history buff, Pate said she plans to travel to Salzburg, Germany this summer to find her ancestral home. She’s visited the Georgia Salzburger Society Museum many times and said, “Our names are in the book.

 “We used to go to the (Landing Day) festival, and I like making German food,” Pate added.

Pate graduated in December 2023 from Augusta University earning a degree in business administration with a concentration in digital marketing. She is a 2019 graduate of Effingham County High School.

“I love digital marketing. I love marketing in general,” Pate said. “I want to stay on the business side of Effingham County; make those connections.”

When she’s not working, she says her hobbies are shopping and reading.

“We are very excited to have Laurel on our team.  It is always great when we can employ a local person who went away for college and decides to return home for work.  Her enthusiasm and education made her the perfect addition to our staff.  We are looking forward to working with her on her mission to help local businesses grow," said Nichole Buchanan, Publisher of the Effingham Herald.