Lee Enterprises Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Lee Enterprises has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, revenue, advertising, business unit operations, legal, and human resources.

Driven by a commitment to local journalism, Lee Enterprises provides essential news and advertising services across the United States, fostering community connection and informing the public.

Leadership Roles at Lee Enterprises

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Nathan Bekke
  • Chief Financial Officer - Joshua Rinehults
  • President, Iowa Business Unit - Robert Cravaritis
  • President, Times-Dispatch (Richmond) - Kelly Till
  • President, Iowa SBU - Deborah Anselm
  • President, Billings Gazette & Vice President of Sales (Montana) - William Merrill
  • Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) - Joseph (Joe) Battistoni
  • Advertising Chief of Staff - Mellesa Boudeman
  • Chief Legal Officer & Vice President, Human Resources & Legal - Astrid Garcia
  • Nathan Bekke - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Nathan Bekke, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Lee Enterprises, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the company's diverse media and advertising services. Overseeing all facets of the business, Bekke ensures the delivery of local news and information while driving innovation in digital subscription platforms and advertising solutions. This leadership role involves guiding the company's market presence and financial performance across its portfolio of newspapers and niche publications. By championing integrated digital publishing and content management, Nathan Bekke solidifies Lee Enterprises' position as a key provider of multimedia content solutions for media publications and universities. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on sustainable growth and adapting to evolving media consumption habits.
    Nathan Bekke

    Joshua Rinehults - Chief Financial Officer

    Joshua Rinehults, the Chief Financial Officer at Lee Enterprises, manages all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Rinehults oversees the fiscal health of the organization, ensuring robust financial strategies support the company's mission of providing local news and advertising services. This executive role involves optimizing financial resources to enhance digital subscription platforms and marketing services. By meticulously analyzing financial data, Joshua Rinehults guides investment decisions in web hosting, content management, and audience extension services. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to managing capital allocation and driving profitability across all business units. Rinehults ensures compliance with financial regulations and drives efficiency in financial processes.
    Joshua Rinehults

    Robert Cravaritis - President, Iowa Business Unit

    Robert Cravaritis, the President, Iowa Business Unit at Lee Enterprises, leads all operations and strategic development within the company's Iowa-based publications and services. Cravaritis oversees the delivery of local news and advertising solutions tailored to the Iowa market, ensuring strong community engagement. This executive position involves managing daily newspaper operations, niche publications, and digital subscription platforms specific to the region. By driving revenue growth through targeted advertising and marketing services, Robert Cravaritis strengthens the business unit's financial performance. The President, Iowa Business Unit collaborates with editorial teams to maintain high journalistic standards while adapting to local market needs. Cravaritis's leadership ensures the continued success and relevance of Lee Enterprises' presence in Iowa.

    Kelly Till - President, Times-Dispatch (Richmond)

    Kelly Till, the President, Times-Dispatch (Richmond) at Lee Enterprises, directs the strategic vision and operational management for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Till oversees the comprehensive delivery of local news, digital subscription platforms, and advertising services to the Richmond community. This leadership role involves ensuring the publication's relevance and financial sustainability in a dynamic media landscape. By fostering innovation in content creation and distribution, Kelly Till enhances audience engagement and advertising revenue. The President, Times-Dispatch (Richmond) works closely with editorial and sales teams to uphold journalistic integrity and meet market demands. Till's focus remains on strengthening the newspaper's connection with its readership and advertisers.

    Deborah Anselm - President, Iowa SBU

    Deborah Anselm, the President, Iowa SBU at Lee Enterprises, leads the strategic direction and operational execution for the Iowa Strategic Business Unit. Anselm oversees the performance of multiple publications and digital platforms within the region, focusing on delivering high-quality local news and advertising services. This executive role involves driving revenue growth through innovative marketing solutions and subscription strategies. By ensuring operational efficiency and market responsiveness, Deborah Anselm strengthens Lee Enterprises' presence in Iowa. The President, Iowa SBU collaborates with cross-functional teams to enhance content offerings and expand digital reach. Anselm's leadership is pivotal in maintaining the unit's competitive edge and commitment to community journalism.

    William Merrill - President, Billings Gazette & Vice President of Sales (Montana)

    William Merrill, the President, Billings Gazette & Vice President of Sales (Montana) at Lee Enterprises, directs operations for the Billings Gazette and oversees sales initiatives across Montana. Merrill leads efforts to enhance local news delivery and advertising revenue within the region. This executive position involves driving strategic sales plans for print and digital advertising, as well as subscription growth. By fostering strong relationships with advertisers and the community, William Merrill strengthens the publication's market position. The President, Billings Gazette & Vice President of Sales (Montana) ensures alignment between sales targets and the company's overall business objectives. Merrill's leadership contributes significantly to Lee Enterprises' regional success in Montana.
    William Merrill

    Joseph (Joe) Battistoni - Chief Revenue Officer (CRO)

    Joseph (Joe) Battistoni, the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at Lee Enterprises, spearheads all revenue generation initiatives across the company's diverse offerings. Battistoni directs sales strategies for advertising and marketing services, including audience extension, search engine optimization, and social media services. This critical role involves maximizing revenue streams from digital subscription platforms and niche publications. By fostering strong client relationships and identifying new market opportunities, Joseph (Joe) Battistoni drives business growth. The Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) collaborates closely with editorial and product teams to ensure advertising solutions align with content delivery and audience engagement. Battistoni's leadership ensures the financial viability of Lee Enterprises' local news mission.
    Joseph (Joe) Battistoni

    Mellesa Boudeman - Advertising Chief of Staff

    Mellesa Boudeman, the Advertising Chief of Staff at Lee Enterprises, provides strategic support and operational oversight for the advertising division. Boudeman coordinates key initiatives, ensuring seamless execution of advertising and marketing services, including search engine marketing and reputation monitoring. This role involves enhancing the efficiency of advertising sales teams and optimizing client campaign performance. By facilitating communication between advertising leadership and other departments, Mellesa Boudeman drives alignment with company objectives. The Advertising Chief of Staff plays a vital part in developing and implementing strategies for audience extension and integrated digital publishing solutions. Boudeman's efforts contribute directly to the revenue generation and market reach of Lee Enterprises' advertising services.
    Astrid Garcia, the Chief Legal Officer & Vice President, Human Resources & Legal at Lee Enterprises, provides comprehensive legal counsel and oversees human resources functions. Garcia manages all legal affairs, ensuring compliance with regulations across the company's operations, including its digital subscription platforms and advertising services. This dual role involves guiding HR strategies to support employee development and foster a positive work environment. By advising on corporate governance and risk management, Astrid Garcia protects the company's interests. The Chief Legal Officer & Vice President, Human Resources & Legal plays a crucial part in contract negotiations and labor relations. Garcia's expertise ensures the integrity of legal and HR practices throughout Lee Enterprises.
    Astrid Garcia

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Lee Enterprises Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Lee Enterprises?
    Lee Enterprises is led by Nathan Bekke (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Joshua Rinehults (Chief Financial Officer) and Robert Cravaritis (President, Iowa Business Unit).
    Who is part of Lee Enterprises’s executive team?
    The executive team of Lee Enterprises includes leaders such as Nathan Bekke (President & Chief Executive Officer), Joshua Rinehults (Chief Financial Officer), Robert Cravaritis (President, Iowa Business Unit) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Lee Enterprises have?
    Lee Enterprises has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Lee Enterprises’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Lee Enterprises includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Iowa Business Unit, President, Times-Dispatch (Richmond), President, Iowa SBU.