Gannett Broadcasting has named Maria Barrs president and general manager of KXTV, the ABC affiliate in Sacramento. Barrs has been the vice president and news director for KDFW, the Fox owned-and-operated station in Dallas, for 13 years.

“She is an innovative manager, having built ratings growth during an era of challenging times,” Gannett EVP Lynn Beall said in a statement. “Maria has overseen eight hours of live news production a day … We are thrilled to have someone of her caliber lead KXTV.”

The move is a return to the Sacramento market for Barrs, who began her career as a desk assistant at NBC affiliate KCRA. She joined KDFW in 1994 as managing editor and was named news director in 1998.

“Maria is an incredibly talented product leader,” Gannett president Dave Lougee said. “She has a passion for what she does, and it shows.”