Freedom Newspapers of New Mexico has hired a new business manager. Kevin Cooper, 48, began work in the Clovis office on Jan. 10. A former staff sergeant in the Army, Cooper has 19 years experience in accounting and has managed small to large numbers of people throughout his career. “Kevin’s computer and organizational skills, and his analytical experience will help FNNM from the start,” FNNM Publisher Ray Sullivan said. He will manage accounting functions, monthly financial activities and help with future projects at the paper. “I’m looking forward to getting this job down, getting proficient at this,” the Clovis Community College adjunct business instructor said. “It’s an interesting job. It will be challenging.” Cooper replaces longtime business manager Charlene Harris, who moved to Odessa, Texas. Cooper was born in Clovis and left in 1975 to join the Army, where he served for 8 1/2 years and was stationed in Phoenix. He returned to Clovis in 2002 to be near his aging parents. He and his wife Kim have one son, 30-year-old Jesse of Phoenix.