It was about six years ago today that I assumed the role of Deputy Editor for this website. I hope you have all prepared speeches and purchased anniversary gifts.

It was the summer before my final semester of college at Pitt-Johnstown, and I had just spent a year as editor-in-chief of its student newspaper.

I came to PoliticsPA as an intern. Keegan Gibson approached me after a debate between then-Congressman Mark Critz and Keith Rothfus at UPJ and asked whether I had any exciting summer plans. I did now.

After the 2012 election and my college graduation, I left PoliticsPA for a reporting job at the Altoona Mirror newspaper, where I worked for four years covering Cambria County government, schools, crime and, occasionally, things that were not controversial.

As PoliticsPA’s owners look for a permanent replacement, I am honored to be given the chance to follow Paul Engelkemier.

Questions, comments and story ideas can reach me at Kelly@PoliticsPA.com. Thank you, readers, and wish me luck.