Forum Communications Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Forum Communications has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, revenue generation, and regional media operations.

Committed to delivering high-quality multimedia news, Forum Communications prioritizes community engagement and digital innovation across the Upper Midwest to ensure reliable information access for all viewers and readers.

Leadership Roles at Forum Communications

  • Chief Executive Officer - Neil Smail
  • Chief Financial Officer - Tim Sticha
  • President - Lowell Johnson
  • President - Lloyd Case
  • President - Katie Dubnik
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Stephanie Schroeder
  • Neil Smail - Chief Executive Officer

    Neil Smail, the Chief Executive Officer at Forum Communications, directs the overarching strategic vision for this multimedia news organization. Smail architects long-term growth initiatives across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, ensuring the company maintains a competitive edge in the evolving media landscape. By overseeing the integration of print, digital, and broadcast assets, the Chief Executive Officer aligns operational output with the core mission of delivering essential information to regional audiences. Smail manages high-level relationships with the Board and executive leadership to drive sustainable expansion. Through constant evaluation of market trends, Neil Smail secures the company's position as a premier provider of news and advertising solutions. This leadership role demands rigorous focus on operational excellence and the modernization of legacy publishing platforms to meet contemporary consumer demands.

    Tim Sticha - Chief Financial Officer

    Tim Sticha, the Chief Financial Officer at Forum Communications, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire multimedia enterprise. Sticha oversees budgeting, financial reporting, and investment planning to support the company's diverse portfolio of newspapers, television stations, and digital platforms. By analyzing revenue streams across the Upper Midwest, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the organization maintains robust liquidity while funding technological upgrades for websites and mobile applications. Sticha collaborates with other C-suite leaders to optimize cost structures and improve operational efficiency. Tim Sticha provides the financial framework necessary for the company to pursue new advertising solutions and agency services. Through disciplined fiscal management, Sticha safeguards the long-term viability of the organization, enabling continued investment in high-quality journalism and community-focused media products throughout the regional footprint.
    Tim Sticha

    Lowell Johnson - President

    Lowell Johnson, the President at Forum Communications, manages the operational execution of the company's print and digital publishing divisions. Johnson oversees the daily production workflows and editorial standards that define the organization's newspaper brands. By coordinating with regional managers, the President ensures that content delivery remains consistent across all platforms, including online versions and mobile applications. Johnson drives initiatives to modernize publishing infrastructure, enhancing the user experience for digital subscribers. This leadership role involves balancing traditional print requirements with the rapid growth of digital media assets. Lowell Johnson maintains high operational standards to support the company's mission of providing reliable information to the community. Through effective management of production resources, Johnson ensures that the organization meets its publishing deadlines and quality benchmarks while adapting to the changing needs of the regional audience.

    Lloyd Case - President

    Lloyd Case, the President at Forum Communications, directs the operations of the company's broadcast division, including television and radio station assets. Case oversees the technical and programming strategies required to maintain high viewership and listener engagement across the regional network. By managing broadcast infrastructure and content scheduling, the President ensures that the company delivers timely news and entertainment to diverse audiences. Case collaborates with the sales and marketing teams to align broadcast content with advertising goals. This leadership role focuses on expanding the reach of television and radio platforms through digital integration and improved signal quality. Lloyd Case drives the operational efficiency of broadcast facilities to support the company's broader multimedia mission. Through consistent oversight of station performance, Case maintains the organization's reputation as a trusted source for broadcast information and community-focused programming.
    Lloyd Case

    Katie Dubnik - President

    Katie Dubnik, the President at Forum Communications, leads the agency services and specialized advertising solutions division. Dubnik oversees the development of custom marketing strategies that leverage the company's multimedia reach to help clients achieve specific business objectives. By managing a team of creative and analytical professionals, the President ensures that agency services provide measurable value to regional businesses. Dubnik drives the integration of data-driven insights into advertising campaigns, enhancing the effectiveness of digital and traditional media placements. This leadership role involves identifying new market opportunities and expanding the service portfolio to meet evolving client needs. Katie Dubnik coordinates with other executive leaders to ensure that agency offerings align with the company's overall growth strategy. Through innovative service delivery, Dubnik strengthens the organization's position as a comprehensive partner for businesses seeking to connect with audiences across the Upper Midwest.

    Stephanie Schroeder - Chief Revenue Officer

    Stephanie Schroeder, the Chief Revenue Officer at Forum Communications, drives the commercial strategy and advertising sales performance across all multimedia channels. Schroeder oversees the development of innovative agency services and advertising solutions that connect local businesses with regional audiences. By managing sales teams throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, the Chief Revenue Officer ensures consistent growth in both print and digital revenue segments. Schroeder collaborates with editorial and technical departments to create integrated marketing packages that leverage the company's extensive reach. Stephanie Schroeder optimizes the sales funnel to maximize client acquisition and retention in a competitive media market. This leadership role focuses on transforming audience engagement into sustainable financial performance. Through strategic pricing and market expansion, Schroeder secures the revenue necessary to support the company's commitment to high-quality news delivery.
    Stephanie Schroeder

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Forum Communications Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Forum Communications?
    Forum Communications is led by Neil Smail (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Tim Sticha (Chief Financial Officer) and Lowell Johnson (President).
    Who is part of Forum Communications’s executive team?
    The executive team of Forum Communications includes leaders such as Neil Smail (Chief Executive Officer), Tim Sticha (Chief Financial Officer), Lowell Johnson (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Forum Communications have?
    Forum Communications has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Forum Communications’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Forum Communications includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, President, President.