DeWitt Era-Enterprise Gets New General Manager

DeWitt Era Enterprise is excited to announce Charlotte Purdy as the new General Manager. With a passion for community service and local events, Charlotte brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role.

Charlotte works as a reporter for the DeWitt Era-Enterprise (DEE) and became a member of Arkansas Press Women (APW) in 2017. In addition to her work at DEE, she has worked full time as a Network Technology Instructor at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (PCCUA) since February 2020. Before becoming a full-time instructor, Purdy served as an adjunct for two semesters while pursuing her education. She graduated in 2018 with an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology from PCCUA, where she was recognized as an Outstanding Student. She was also inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Sigma Kappa Chapter and honored with the Coca-Cola Bronze Scholarship. Subsequently, she earned an Associate of Arts in General Education in May 2020 from PCCUA and holds a Bachelor's degree in Information Systems Technology from eVersity and a Master of Science Degree in Information Technology from U of A Grantham (2023).

In addition to her academic achievements, Charlotte holds Certificates of Proficiency in various fields including Maintaining & Managing Personal Computers, MS Operating Systems Desktop Support, Cyber Security, and Programming/Coding. She actively contributes to the Professional Development committee at PCCUA-Stuttgart.

Outside of her professional commitments, Charlotte is involved in various community organisations such as the American Legion Auxiliary Southern Division, where she serves as the national Public Relations Chair. She is also engaged with local groups including the Arkansas County Night of Hope, Friends of Arkansas Post National Memorial, DeWitt Chamber of Commerce, and Grand Prairie Historical Society. With more than a decade of marriage, Charlotte is a proud parent to two daughters, four bonus daughters, a bonus son, and nine bonus grandchildren. In her leisure time, she enjoys wildlife photography, spending time with her family, painting, and volunteering within her community.

Kaley Jo Baker, former General Manager, said, “The past 10 years with the DeWitt Era-Enterprise have been amazing to say the least. I have enjoyed working with the citizens of DeWitt, Stuttgart, and all surrounding local communities! I will miss you all! My time has come to an end at the newspaper and I know that my right hand girl, Charlotte Purdy, will be on top of everything and take care of your needs. She is extremely community oriented and that’s what it takes to keep it going in the right direction. I will be going full time and following my dreams of owning my own business at Board and Bites • SB and Family Homemade Goods and will still be right here in DeWitt! Please be patient as we make this transition! Much love to you all.”

Additionally, Haley Watkins, Corp Creative Director for LCP / DeWitt Era Enterprise is pursuing a career in nursing. Stepping into the role with a corporate promotion is Liane Lagtapon, a graduate of Texas A&M.

Charlotte expressed, “Over the past 7 years, I have been involved in covering news and events for Arkansas County in my spare time and I look forward to maintaining the newspaper's vital role in providing local and state news to Arkansas County and to our readers. I am grateful for the community and our readers who support the DeWitt Era-Enterprise and I can’t emphasize enough the importance of community connections and involvement and how the DeWitt Era-Enterprise plays a vital role in those connections. I'm going to miss working alongside Kaley and Haley but I wish them the best!”

Charlotte also stated, “Working full-time at the college is my main job but with the help of our CEO, Clarissa Williams, and other team members, we will continue providing you with local news. There will be a change in how some things are handled but your hometown connection will remain!”

Clarissa Williams, CEO of LCP, Owner of DeWitt Era Enterprise said, “Charlotte's new role as the General Manager at the DeWitt Era-Enterprise marks a significant milestone in her career. As Haley and Kaley transition to new endeavors, Charlotte steps into the role with enthusiasm and dedication. Her experience in reporting, advertising, and community engagement positions her well to lead the Era Enterprise with passion and integrity. I commend Charlotte's qualifications, community involvement, and creative skills in photography, underscoring her readiness for this new role.”

Williams also expressed thankfulness to Kaley and Haley. Both have shaped the current path of the Era Enterprise leaving a new story to be written to capture the community. She wishes both much success in their new endeavors, saying she knew they would be successful in their business where their passion lives strongly.