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 2019-2020 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.
Troy Niday
Immediate Past President
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
Jim Wall
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
Maria Ravera
President-Elect
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
Paul Nettland
1st Vice President
Paul Nettland has spent over 25 years in the newspaper industry. Most of his experience has been with Gannett newspapers and USA TODAY. When not solving distribution or service issues, Paul enjoys spending time with family, along with skiing and hiking in th Pacific Northwest.
USA TODAY
2020 Great Western Audience Development Summit
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.
Caesars Palace
June 17-19, 2020
Las Vegas, NV
2019-2020 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.
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
Corrina Rose
Board Member
I have had the pleasure of being in this exceptional industry for 27 years. GWAA has given me an outlet to network and partner with so many great individuals. I am excited to be a part of the next chapter of this great organization. I'm currently the Direct Response Sales Manager at McClatchy and bring a bundle of sales & marketing experience in growing print & digital audiences.
The Modesto Bee
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
Dan Fabela
Board Member
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
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
Carole L. Stein
Executive Director
From running a single copy center to creating strategies to increase digital acquisition, retention and membership, I have been working in newspapers since the 1990s. As a long-time member of CWCMA and a close associate of NICE members as well, I am thrilled to be able to connect with members, business partners and speakers and to help create a memorable 2020 conference experience.
GWAA
Mike Zinser
General Counsel
L. Michael Zinser has been the General Counsel of GWAA for nearly four decades. He is the Founder and President of The Zinser Law Firm, P.C., a boutique labor law firm based in Nashville, Tennessee. The firm has a heavy concentration of clients in communications media, representing over 250 newspapers from New York to Hawaii. Michael has vast experience representing Companies on legal issues involving whether individuals are employees or independent contractors; the firm has handled this issue in 40 of the 50 states. The Zinser Law Firm, P.C. also has expertise in drafting Independent Contractor Agreements; providing pre-litigation advice; the National Labor Relations Act; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Unemployment Compensation law; Workers’ Compensation law; tort cases; and providing legislative assistance.
The Zinser Law Firm, P.C.
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.
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