This morning ABC News Digital's Head of Lifestyle, Ali Gazan, made the following announcement:

I have some terrific news to report.

I am very happy to announce that Lesley Messer has joined the ABC News Digital team as Entertainment Editor in New York.

Lesley has spent the past seven years at People Magazine, where she wrote feature stories and filed breaking news for both the magazine and People.com. Over her tenure she covered everything from Tina Fey's life after "30 Rock" to the shenanigans of the cast of the "Jersey Shore" and what it is like inside Jessica Simpson's celebrity home.

As we continue to develop our entertainment and lifestyle verticals, Lesley's expertise and enthusiasm will elevate ABC News Digital's entertainment coverage with more original videos, social content, exclusive interviews and live stream experiences that enhance the overall user experience. Lesley comes to ABC News with a vast knowledge of the entertainment industry, a great list of contacts and a passion for pop culture.

Lesley grew up in Cincinnati and is a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.

Please join me in welcoming Lesley to the team. We're very excited and fortunate to have her.

Ali