Lee Enterprises Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Lee Enterprises has 10 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, financial oversight, revenue generation, and regional media operations.

Committed to delivering high-quality local news and digital advertising solutions, Lee Enterprises empowers communities across the United States through integrated publishing platforms and advanced content management services.

Leadership Roles at Lee Enterprises

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Nathan Bekke
  • Chief Financial Officer - Joshua Rinehults
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Duane Polodna
  • President, Iowa SBU - Debbie Anselm
  • President - Don Lee
  • President, Times-Dispatch (Richmond) - Kelly Till
  • President, Iowa Business Unit - Rob Cravaritis
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Joseph (Joe) Battistoni
  • Advertising Chief of Staff - Mellesa Boudeman
  • Vice President, Human Resources Legal & Chief Legal Officer - Astrid Garcia
  • Nathan Bekke - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Nathan Bekke, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Lee Enterprises, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term growth initiatives for the organization. Overseeing the transition toward digital-first publishing, the President & Chief Executive Officer manages the alignment of daily, weekly, and monthly news operations with evolving consumer demands. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to ensure financial health while expanding the reach of digital subscription platforms across the United States. By prioritizing innovation in content management and multimedia distribution, Nathan Bekke drives the company toward sustainable market leadership. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on operational efficiency, ensuring that all regional publications maintain high standards of journalistic integrity while maximizing advertising revenue through sophisticated digital marketing services and audience extension tools.
    Nathan Bekke

    Joshua Rinehults - Chief Financial Officer

    Joshua Rinehults, the Chief Financial Officer at Lee Enterprises, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire media portfolio. Overseeing complex financial reporting and budgeting processes, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that investments in web hosting and digital publishing infrastructure yield measurable returns. This leadership role requires constant monitoring of market trends to optimize revenue streams from advertising and marketing services. By implementing rigorous cost-management protocols, Joshua Rinehults secures the financial stability necessary for long-term expansion. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with executive leadership to evaluate potential acquisitions and divestitures, maintaining a focus on strengthening the balance sheet. Through precise financial planning and risk assessment, the Chief Financial Officer supports the company's mission to provide essential local news while navigating the competitive landscape of modern digital media and commercial printing operations.
    Joshua Rinehults

    Duane Polodna - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Duane Polodna, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Lee Enterprises, manages the internal financial controls and corporate accounting functions. Overseeing the integration of financial systems across various media publications and niche platforms, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency and regulatory compliance. This leadership role involves analyzing the profitability of web and mobile production services to guide strategic resource allocation. By streamlining financial operations, Duane Polodna supports the company's ability to scale digital marketing services and commercial printing activities. The Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the broader executive team to maintain fiscal discipline during periods of technological transformation. Through meticulous oversight of capital expenditures and operational budgets, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary financial foundation for the company to continue delivering high-quality news and information services to communities nationwide.
    Duane Polodna

    Debbie Anselm - President, Iowa SBU

    Debbie Anselm, the President, Iowa SBU at Lee Enterprises, directs the operational activities and content strategy for the Iowa Strategic Business Unit. Overseeing the production of daily and weekly newspapers, the President, Iowa SBU ensures that local news coverage remains relevant and impactful for regional audiences. This leadership role involves managing the transition to digital-first content delivery while maintaining the quality of print publications. By fostering partnerships with local businesses, Debbie Anselm drives advertising revenue and community engagement. The President, Iowa SBU coordinates with corporate leadership to implement new digital publishing tools and content management solutions. Through the effective management of regional resources and the promotion of multimedia content, the President, Iowa SBU strengthens the company's presence in the Midwest, ensuring that all news and information services meet the specific needs of the local population while supporting the broader corporate mission.

    Don Lee - President

    Don Lee, the President at Lee Enterprises, oversees the strategic development and operational performance of key media assets. Directing the expansion of digital subscription platforms, the President ensures that the company remains at the forefront of the local news industry. This leadership role involves managing the integration of web hosting and content management services to enhance user experience across all publications. By focusing on operational excellence, Don Lee drives the company's ability to monetize multimedia content effectively. The President collaborates with other executives to refine the company's approach to digital marketing and audience extension. Through the oversight of regional operations and the implementation of innovative publishing strategies, the President supports the company's commitment to providing high-quality information services. Don Lee maintains a focus on long-term growth, ensuring that all business units align with the overarching goals of the organization in a rapidly changing media environment.

    Kelly Till - President, Times-Dispatch (Richmond)

    Kelly Till, the President, Times-Dispatch (Richmond) at Lee Enterprises, directs the editorial and commercial operations for the Richmond market. Overseeing the delivery of local news and advertising services, the President, Times-Dispatch (Richmond) ensures that the publication maintains its status as a trusted source of information. This leadership role involves managing the digital transformation of the newsroom and the implementation of new subscription models. By driving engagement through social media services and targeted digital marketing, Kelly Till maximizes the reach of the publication. The President, Times-Dispatch (Richmond) works with corporate leadership to integrate advanced content management solutions that enhance the reader experience. Through the effective management of regional staff and the pursuit of new revenue opportunities, the President, Times-Dispatch (Richmond) strengthens the company's market position, ensuring that the publication continues to serve the community while contributing to the overall success of the organization.

    Rob Cravaritis - President, Iowa Business Unit

    Rob Cravaritis, the President, Iowa Business Unit at Lee Enterprises, manages the operational and strategic initiatives for the Iowa Business Unit. Overseeing the distribution of third-party products and the execution of commercial printing services, the President, Iowa Business Unit ensures that regional operations remain efficient and profitable. This leadership role involves coordinating with the digital marketing agency to provide comprehensive advertising solutions to local clients. By focusing on the integration of multimedia content across various platforms, Rob Cravaritis drives audience growth and retention. The President, Iowa Business Unit collaborates with corporate leadership to implement new technologies that improve content management and distribution. Through the effective management of regional assets and the pursuit of innovative business models, the President, Iowa Business Unit supports the company's mission to provide essential news and information services while maintaining a strong competitive presence in the regional media market.

    Joseph (Joe) Battistoni - Chief Revenue Officer

    Joseph (Joe) Battistoni, the Chief Revenue Officer at Lee Enterprises, architects the comprehensive sales strategy for all advertising and marketing services. Overseeing the monetization of multimedia content and digital subscription platforms, the Chief Revenue Officer drives growth across North American markets. This leadership role involves managing search engine marketing, social media services, and reputation management solutions to deliver value to diverse clients. By aligning sales teams with the company's digital publishing capabilities, Joseph (Joe) Battistoni ensures consistent revenue performance. The Chief Revenue Officer works closely with regional leaders to refine audience extension strategies, effectively capturing market share in both traditional and digital sectors. Through the development of high-impact advertising campaigns and the optimization of the sales funnel, the Chief Revenue Officer sustains the company's competitive edge in the evolving media landscape, ensuring that all commercial printing and digital agency services meet client expectations.
    Joseph (Joe) Battistoni

    Mellesa Boudeman - Advertising Chief of Staff

    Mellesa Boudeman, the Advertising Chief of Staff at Lee Enterprises, coordinates the operational execution of advertising initiatives across the company's extensive media network. Overseeing the alignment of sales objectives with corporate marketing goals, the Advertising Chief of Staff ensures that digital subscription platforms and niche publications receive consistent support. This leadership role involves managing cross-functional projects that integrate search engine optimization and reputation monitoring services into the broader sales strategy. By facilitating communication between regional advertising teams and corporate leadership, Mellesa Boudeman drives efficiency in campaign delivery. The Advertising Chief of Staff monitors performance metrics to identify opportunities for revenue growth within the digital marketing agency. Through the implementation of standardized processes and strategic planning, the Advertising Chief of Staff enables the organization to maintain a strong market position while delivering effective advertising solutions to clients across the United States.
    Astrid Garcia, the Vice President, Human Resources Legal & Chief Legal Officer at Lee Enterprises, manages the legal framework and human capital policies for the organization. Overseeing compliance with labor laws and corporate governance standards, the Vice President, Human Resources Legal & Chief Legal Officer ensures that all business operations remain within regulatory boundaries. This leadership role involves providing legal guidance on digital publishing contracts, reputation management services, and commercial printing agreements. By aligning human resources strategies with legal requirements, Astrid Garcia supports the company's commitment to a professional and ethical workplace. The Vice President, Human Resources Legal & Chief Legal Officer collaborates with the executive team to mitigate risks associated with media distribution and digital content management. Through the proactive management of legal affairs and personnel policies, the Vice President, Human Resources Legal & Chief Legal Officer protects the company's interests while fostering an environment conducive to innovation and growth.
    Astrid Garcia

    Explore Leadership Teams in Media & Internet

    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 Duane Polodna (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    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), Duane Polodna (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Lee Enterprises have?
    Lee Enterprises has 10 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, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President, Iowa SBU, President.