About Joshua

Joshua Wilson is a journalist and communications strategist serving since July 2026 as the managing editor of the family-owned Appen Media Group in metro Atlanta. He directs a centralized newsroom producing hyperlocal coverage for digital platforms and seven weekly newspapers in Atlanta’s suburbs.

He pairs his award-winning reporting with a focus on digital transformation, audience engagement, media literacy, and mentoring the next generation of journalists. He builds innovative news products, including newsletters and social videos, that are responsive to community needs and wants. He is also skilled at securing external funding for projects and cultivating tight-knit relationships with readers and supporters. These skills were honed as executive editor of The Macon Melody news startup, the Mississippi Business Journal, and The Pine Belt News and Signature Magazine in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

For 10 years, Joshua has taught college journalism classes, first at his alma mater, William Carey University, and later at The University of Southern Mississippi, where he was also involved in launching the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center.

Passionate about government transparency and the role of journalism in preserving and protecting democracy, Joshua’s reporting has prompted policy changes in his home state of Mississippi. While working with the Southern Miss journalism center, he founded its “What is True?” media literacy initiative, which helps residents of the Magnolia State understand the state of the news industry and combat false and misleading information.

Joshua holds a Master of Business Administration degree from William Carey and a graduate certificate in economic development from Southern Miss. He serves as vice president of the Georgia chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. To relax, he reads, plays word games and Mahjong, and cares for his 12-year-old cat, Henry.

Send Joshua an email at jwperch@gmail.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.