About GWAA
About Us
Change is a constant. Over the last 100 years, GWAA has attracted industry leaders and innovators, trusted decision makers and experienced circulators. As our industry transforms, so too do our operations and focus. Now more than ever, associations like GWAA blaze the path of transformation and accelerate learning.
Our 2020-2021 Executive Board of Directors
Who are GWAA leaders? Board of Directors have been widely respected change agents, who have braved challenges and found collaborative ways to grow their individual news media companies and as an industry. Directors and officers are committed to solving challenges and redefining success by creating a network of support and collaboration. GWAA welcomes your participation on the Board.
Maria Ravera
President
As Group VP of Audience Development and Head of On Demand for McClatchy, Maria brings deep sales and marketing experience to grow print and digital audience and revenue. She champions the popular Single Copy Summit at the annual Great Western Audience Development conference.
The McClatchy Company
Jim Wall
Immediate Past President
I have worked in all facets of Audience divisions since 1991. During my 28-year career, I have worked for newspapers for Grand Forks, ND; Fort Wayne, IN; Anchorage, AK; Macon, GA; State College, PA and Boise, ID. My current position is as the Audience Budgeting Director for the thirty media companies in the McClatchy Company. I am a former President of the Northwest International Circulation Executives (NICE).
At GWAA, our focus is on creating opportunities to connect with like-minded industry professionals and equip members with an increased capacity to drive positive change in their organizations.
The McClatchy Company
2021 Virtual Great Western Audience Development Summit
June 23-25, 2021
The Great Western Audience Development Summit provides each attendee with the opportunity to meet and exchange information with others in the industry, from newspaper organizations to business partners and expert guest speakers.
Learn More >>
Dan Fabela
1st Vice President
Currently serving as the Circulation Sales, Marketing and Retention Manager at The Seattle Times, I have been in Circulation for over 16 years and a member of NICE for the past several years. I am looking forward to serving on this newly formed board and spreading the word on how great it is being a part of GWAA.
The Seattle Times
Troy Niday
Executive Advisor
I choose to be an active member of GWAA as the programing delivered along with the relationships I have built through my involvement have made me better equipped to meet the challenges of our industry.
The Press Democrat
2020-2021 Board Members
The GWAA Board of Directors is made of seven members. The Board members serve a 2 year term 3 one year and for the next year The Board of Directors shall have full management and control of the affairs of the Association.
Duties of Directors – A Director shall be an active member in good standing. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, they shall assist in the securing of new members, the selling of advertising and shall assist in conference planning whenever requested.
Bobby Binkley
Board Member
Having been in Circulation Management for over 30 years. I have been active in several circulation management associations and GWAA is the BEST.
Gannett
Cherisse Johnson
Board Member
I have worked in the newspaper industry for 7 years and I started attending CWCMA 3 years ago. Each conference I have been able to take a few jewels and bring back to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Joining the board gives me the opportunity to give back to a committee who has helped me in my career.
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Pat Leader
Board Member
Pat has been in the newspaper business for 32 years. She began her career at The Capital Gazette as the Single Copy Manager. She spent 16 years at The Baltimore Sun starting in single copy sales, then home delivery marketing where she eventually managed all sales channels for print and digital. In 2014, she was recruited by The Spokesman-Review and is now Director of Circulation and Audience Development for one of the few remaining privately owned newspapers in the country.
The Spokesman-Review
Robert Rivera
Board Member
I attended the GWAA conference for the first time in 2015. New Mexico was not part of the organization as it was added in August of 2017 although I was welcomed to the conference and pleased to have left with plenty of ideas and new connections. I’m honored to serve on the board and continue to be a part of this great organization.
Albuquerque Journal
Kelly Rizzi
Board Member
The connections I have made through GWAA have helped me tremendously in my role at the Los Angeles Times. As a new Board member, I am looking forward to helping our organization grow and sharing its value with my peers.
Los Angeles Times
Athena Killeen
Board Member
Athena Killeen is a Group Director of Audience Development at McClatchy, currently overseeing direct response subscription sales channels. She started her career at the Idaho Statesman in 2001 and was promoted into a variety of roles both in circulation and advertising before returning to audience development in 2016. She joins the GWAA board with 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, project management and customer service.
The Idaho Statesman
Mark Wasser
Board Member
Mark started in newspapers as a teenager, helping his dad deliver single copy issues on the Anchorage to Fairbanks route. He moved on to the Rocky Mountain News to USA Today in Las Vegas, and then returned to AK, where he now runs Audience Development at the Anchorage Daily News. He has identified the transition to digital as key to success.
Anchorage Daily News
Carole L. Stein
Executive Director
From single copy to customer service to digital acquisition, retention, and membership, I have been working in newspapers since the 1990s. I am thrilled to be able to connect with members, business partners and speakers to help create useful programs and a memorable conference experience.
GWAA
Jeff Ferrazzano
Business Partner Liaison
Jeff is the owner/president of The Ultimate Print Source. He is a longtime supporter of GWAA and CWCMA, providing solutions from printing to strategic ideas. As our business partner liaison, Jeff has always provided insight from the vendor perspective while keeping the needs and goals of the organization in mind.
BECOME A MEMBER
Your membership goes to support GWAA, a nonprofit organization committed to continuing education and sharing of ideas. Members get preferred rates at all GWAA sponsored events, the opportunity to network, learn revenue-generating strategies, and stay in the forefront of ongoing digital engagement. The GWAA Executive Board of Directors and Board Members look forward to your participation and support in advancing our audience development program.
Connect. Learn. Drive Change.
Our Valued Business Partners
