The Chestnut Hill Community Association and the Chestnut Hill Local officially approved the appointment of Daralyse Lyons as the publisher of the Chestnut Hill Local at their July board meetings.

"It is an honor to be stepping into this important role. I've been an avid reader of the Local since moving to the northwest 15 years ago, and I've seen the value that a community newspaper can bring to residents, businesses and community stakeholders," Lyons said. "I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to contribute to community journalism and to be giving back to the communities where I've lived and worked for a decade and a half."

Lyons is a journalist and author with prior experience in business development and financial management. She has written more than two dozen full-length books, a handful of short stories and countless articles. A member of the National Association of Black Journalists and vice president of Philadelphia's chapter of the NLGJA, she graduated summa cum laude from NYU, with a double major in English and religious studies and a minor in history.

Lyons is a TEDx speaker, an award-winning author and the recipient of a 2023 PA City & State Impact Award, acknowledged as one of 75 of the most impactful individuals in the entire state of Pennsylvania.

"There will be more announcements in the coming months," Lyons said, "but in the meantime I'd like to thank the community, staff and the Local and CHCA boards for believing in me and to remind readers that my door is always open."