Jeff Varner is joining WNCT, the CBS affiliate in Greenville, N.C., as the anchor of the 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts.

Varner comes to Greenville from New York City, where he was a general assignment reporter at CW affiliate WPIX. He replaces Allan Hoffman, who is retiring after more than two decades at WNCT. Varner wrote an introductory blog post on the station’s website this week:

For two weeks I’ve been able to observe, and from behind the scenes, participate in the shows you’ve been watching.  It afforded me the opportunity to get to know people, understand how this “on-your-side” machine works, and better envision something even stronger.

I can’t fill Allan Hoffman’s shoes if I tried.  So I won’t.  I salute him for all he’s done, respect his dedication and make him a promise—to try as hard as I can to make sure the “9 On Your Side” that follows will be credible, useful and relevant.