America's Newspapers announces Executive Development Program participants

Posted
Dean Ridings | America's Newspapers

America's Newspapers, the leading voice for local newspapers, announced this year’s Executive Development class, consisting of 17 up-and-coming professionals from across the industry. This program, inspired by the Inland Press Foundation and sponsored by the Inland Press Foundation, the SNPA Foundation, Seyfarth Shaw LLP, Software Consulting Services (SCS) and others, aims to cultivate the next generation of news media leaders in an ever-evolving industry landscape.

The Executive Development Program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge and network necessary to navigate the complex challenges facing today's news organizations. The program covers crucial areas such as digital transformation, revenue diversification, audience engagement and strategic leadership.

"In today's rapidly changing media environment, it's crucial that we invest in developing strong, innovative leaders who can guide our industry into the future,” said Dean Ridings, CEO of America's Newspapers. “This year’s Executive Development class represents a cross section of leaders who are commitment to ensuring the continued vitality and relevance of their news organizations across the country."

The 2024-25 class of the Executive Development Program is supported by additional sponsors, including SCS and Seyfarth, demonstrating the industry-wide recognition of the program's importance.

This year’s class includes:

  • Kristin Bauer, director of marketing and NIE coordinator, The Chronicle Telegram, The Medina-Gazette and Lorain County Printing & Publishing, Elyria, Ohio
  • Olivia Benally, CEO and publisher, Navajo Times Publishing Company, Window Rock, Arizona
  • Brandon Bowers, regional editor, River City Newspapers, Lake Havasu City, Arizona
  • Jill Friesz, owner and publisher, GS Publishing, LLC, Elgin, North Dakota
  • Crystal Grammer, ad operations director, Georges Media / The Times-Picayune, New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Alaysha Maple, Next Generation news editor, The Sumter Item, Sumter, South Carolina
  • Heather Mayer, general manager, Williston Herald, Williston, North Dakota
  • Jackland McDowell, advertising manager, The Baytown Sun, Baytown, Texas
  • Chris Rausch, publisher, Cape Gazette LTD, Lewes, Delaware
  • Phillip Reid, publisher, Reid Newspapers, Weatherford, Oklahoma
  • Michelle Robinson, chief revenue officer, The Daily News, Galveston, Texas
  • Robert Stoll, senior distribution director, Georges Media, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
  • Yaritza Vazquez, publishing operations manager, Sierra Vista, Arizona
  • Sam Wagner, general manager, Iowa Information Media Group, Sheldon, Iowa
  • Greg Weatherbee, publisher, The Lufkin Daily News, Lufkin, Texas
  • Andrew Wellner, publisher and editor, Kodiak Daily Mirror, Kodiak, Alaska
  • John Wells, general manager/publisher, The Post-Searchlight, Bainbridge, Georgia

Mark Cohen, Executive Development Program manager, highlighted the program's unique approach: “I’m extremely excited with the depth and caliber of this year’s Executive Development class. From all over the country, to literally every position in our industry, this group represents the best and the brightest of who we are as a media entity. We've crafted a curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world applications. Participants will not only learn from industry experts but also from each other.”

The program is set to begin in July with the kickoff meeting in New Orleans and conclude at the Mega-Conference meeting in April 2025.  Additional sponsorship opportunities are available.  For more information contact Patty Slusher at pslusher@newspapers.org.