The Banner has welcomed veteran journalist Jeff Barker to its Montgomery County bureau, where he will cover growth and development across the county.

Barker joins The Banner from The Baltimore Sun, where he worked as a staff writer and columnist covering politics and business. He brings extensive experience reporting on issues shaping the region and a strong track record of breaking news.

Throughout his career, Barker has covered a wide range of topics, including University of Maryland football and men’s basketball and the business of sports. He previously served as The Arizona Republic’s Washington correspondent and worked for The Associated Press in Washington and Pennsylvania.

A longtime Montgomery County resident, Barker brings a personal connection to the community he will cover. He has coached recreational basketball in the county and lives there with his family and three cats.

Barker joined The Banner on Nov. 2.