Applications now are being accepted by America's Newspapers for the 2024 Newspaper Executive Development Program.
This educational program, open to members of America's Newspapers, is designed to develop leadership skills and a broader understanding of sustainable business models for local journalism organizations. The program is built to provide newspaper leaders exposure to a wide variety of topics in an engaging learning environment.
There are three mandatory in-person sessions.
The ideal participant is a newly identified leader (but with some management experience) or seasoned leaders who need to learn new skills and tactics.
It is an ideal program for prospective publishers and general managers or for current publishers and general managers looking to advance their skill and gain exposure to new areas.
This is a three-part program focused on the core topics that emerging leaders need to further their careers.
The curriculum of the program will be tactical, developmental and inspirational, with participants gaining exposure to multiple disciplines. The sessions will be led by industry veterans and professional leadership trainers who will provide an overview of the business of newspapers and a roadmap for the skills needed to be successful.
From leadership skills, to revenue development, content, digital, finance and more, the program participants will learn from the best the industry has to offer.
Mark Cohen, an industry veteran for 40 years who has led teams at CNHI, GateHouse, Thomson, Morris Communications, Black Press and Adams Publishing Group, will oversee the Executive Development Program. Cohen also previously was the president of Pennsylvania NewsMedia Group where he was an advocate for First Amendment rights at the statehouse in Pennsylvania. Together with other media leaders, Cohen went to Washington, D.C., to fight proposed newspaper tariffs; that battle was ultimately won.
Cohen has held various roles as a sales leader, digital champion, publisher and, in 2022-23, oversaw two divisions for APG. He has always believed in needs assessment for customers and the importance of utilizing the total suite of media products and services, including magazines, direct mail, events and digital.
He has spoken at a number of conferences over his career and always took pride in team building, growing personnel and creating energetic, forward-thinking organizations. He is known for his passion and positivity.
Cohen retired from Adams Publishing Group in January and lives in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. He has two adult children and is a proud grandfather.
The Executive Development Program is a mix of in-person and virtual meetings and — to get the most out of the program — candidates must commit to attending.
The group will meet in New Orleans on July 16-18 for an intensive day and a half of sessions, discussions and activities. The meeting will be held at the offices of The Times-Picayune in the heart of New Orleans.
The group also will meet at the 2024 Senior Leadership Conference in Charleston, South Carolina, Oct. 19-22 and at the 2025 Mega-Conference in the spring. Registration for all events is included in the program!
This program is sponsored by America’s Newspapers, the Inland Press Foundation, SNPA Foundation and others to keep the cost as low as possible.
Registration is $250 per person, and includes registration to the Senior Leadership Conference and the 2025 Mega-Conference, as well as meals during the program. Participants are expected to pay their own travel and lodging costs.
Scholarships may be available to offset travel and lodging expense for applicants meeting the criteria. Preference will be given to newspapers in rural markets and small newspaper publishers, however all applicants are invited to submit a scholarship request. The program is limited to 15 participants for 2024.
Contact Mark Cohen at mcohen@newspapers.org.
