A local TV station has a new leader.

Mark Mendenhall will become WECT’s next vice president and general manager March 1, the same effective date as the retirement of the person in that position now, Gary McNair, according to a news release. Mendenhall is currently serving as WECT’s general sales manager.

“Mark has seen many changes come to the Wilmington market during his nearly 16 years at WECT,” said Don Richards, group vice president for WECT-owner Raycom Media, in the release. “He brings that deep experience plus his inclusive and collegial style to lead WECT successfully into our exciting future.”

Prior to working at WECT, Mendenhall served as account executive at WLFL-TV in Raleigh. In 2002, he began his career at WECT as an account executive. He was promoted to national sales manager in 2005 and named general sales manager in 2008.

The release said Mendenhall "has built a highly respected and effective sales organization for WECT, so much so that he was the Raycom Sales Advisory Board Chair in 2016."

Mendenhall earned a bachelor's degree in communications from N.C. State University.

“WECT has been the place Southeastern North Carolina residents turn to for their news, weather, and entertainment for over 60 years. It’s an honor to be part of that legacy,” Mendenhall said.