MYRTLE BEACH — Pamela J. Browning, president and publisher of The Sun News since January 2008, is leaving the newspaper to take the helm as publisher at The (Charleston) Post and Courier.

“This was a difficult decision because I have had a wonderful team to work with at The Sun News and we’ve gone through some tough economic times together,” Browning said following the announcement to staff Thursday afternoon. “And I’m proud of the accomplishments of the news team, which has continued to bring home top awards for its journalism, despite those challenges.”

Mark Zieman, McClatchy vice president of operations, said, “P.J. is a very talented executive with a great track record as a newspaper leader. We appreciate the many contributions she’s made to our company. We hate to see her go, but we are confident that her team will keep the momentum going in Myrtle Beach. It’s a wonderful market with a bright future.”

In announcing Browning’s appointment to the staff at the Post and Courier, Editor and Publisher Bill Hawkins noted: “P.J. has a distinguished newspaper background that includes very successful stints as publisher in State College, Pa., and Macon, Georgia, prior to taking over the operation in Myrtle Beach. She has a real love for our business and stood out among excellent candidates as the perfect choice for our operation.”

Browning will succeed Hawkins, who announced in June that he would retire at the end of the year.

During her time with The Sun News, Browning used her advertising background to help the operation maintain its edge in a highly competitive market, Zieman said in his announcement of her departure to employees of McClatchy Cos., which owns The Sun News. “She has made extensive contributions toward repositioning the newspaper and the McClatchy Company more competitively,” he said.

“I’m proud to have been a part of this company, and proud of The Sun News and MyrtleBeachOnline.com for its continued performance as the news organization with the broadest reach on the Grand Strand, serving more than 108,000 readers each day and growing,” she said.

Her last day in Myrtle Beach will be in mid-August. A search for her replacement is under way, Zieman said.

“McClatchy has been a wonderful company to me and my family for many years and it was a truly difficult decision to leave,” Browning said. “My husband has been by my side as we’ve moved and grown with my career over the past 28 plus years and the move to Charleston is one that is going to allow him to pursue his career while still affording me the opportunity to do what I love. I have had the opportunity to work with some of the brightest newspaper people in the industry through McClatchy.”