Lee Enterprises Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Lee Enterprises has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, advertising, revenue, operations, and legal.

Driven by a commitment to local journalism, Lee Enterprises delivers essential news and advertising services, shaping community discourse and supporting local economies through integrated digital and print solutions.

Leadership Roles at Lee Enterprises

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Nathan Bekke
  • Chief Financial Officer - Joshua Rinehults
  • President, Iowa SBU - Deborah Anselm
  • President, Billings Gazette & Vice President of Sales (Montana) - William Merrill
  • President - Don Lee
  • President, Times-Dispatch (Richmond) - Kelly Till
  • President, Iowa Business Unit - Robert Cravaritis
  • Advertising Chief of Staff - Mellesa Boudeman
  • Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) - Joseph Battistoni
  • 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 company's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Overseeing all facets of the business, Bekke ensures the delivery of local news and advertising services across the United States. This leadership role involves guiding the company's digital subscription platforms, newspaper operations, and niche publications. By championing integrated digital publishing solutions, Nathan Bekke drives the monetization of multimedia content for media partners. The President & Chief Executive Officer also spearheads the company's expansion into new markets and service offerings, including web hosting and content management. Ultimately, Bekke secures the long-term financial health and market relevance of Lee Enterprises through decisive leadership and strategic foresight.
    Nathan Bekke

    Joshua Rinehults - Chief Financial Officer

    Joshua Rinehults, the Chief Financial Officer at Lee Enterprises, manages all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, Rinehults ensures the fiscal integrity of the company's diverse operations, which include digital subscription platforms and advertising services. This critical role involves optimizing financial performance across all business units, from daily newspapers to niche publications. By implementing robust financial controls, Joshua Rinehults supports the company's growth initiatives and its provision of integrated digital publishing solutions. The Chief Financial Officer also plays a key part in capital allocation and investor relations, driving shareholder value. Ultimately, Rinehults safeguards the financial stability of Lee Enterprises, enabling continued investment in content creation and technological advancement.
    Joshua Rinehults

    Deborah Anselm - President, Iowa SBU

    Deborah Anselm, the President, Iowa SBU at Lee Enterprises, leads the strategic and operational direction for the company's business unit in Iowa. Anselm oversees the performance of local newspapers and digital subscription platforms within the region, ensuring alignment with the company's broader mission. This role involves driving revenue growth through advertising and marketing services tailored to the Iowa market. By managing local teams and resources, Deborah Anselm enhances the delivery of news and information to Iowa communities. The President, Iowa SBU also focuses on optimizing operational efficiency and fostering strong community engagement. Ultimately, Anselm strengthens Lee Enterprises' presence and impact within the Iowa market through dedicated leadership.

    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 both the operations of the Billings Gazette and sales initiatives across Montana. Merrill oversees the delivery of local news content and advertising services within the region, ensuring high standards of journalistic integrity and commercial success. This dual role involves driving revenue growth through innovative advertising and marketing strategies, including audience extension and search engine marketing. By managing sales teams and fostering client relationships, William Merrill enhances the company's market penetration in Montana. The President, Billings Gazette & Vice President of Sales (Montana) also focuses on the strategic development of digital subscription platforms. Ultimately, Merrill strengthens Lee Enterprises' regional presence and financial performance in Montana.
    William Merrill

    Don Lee - President

    Don Lee, the President at Lee Enterprises, oversees strategic initiatives and operational performance across designated business units. Lee directs the execution of company-wide strategies, ensuring the effective delivery of local news, information, and advertising services. This leadership role involves guiding teams to enhance digital subscription platforms and traditional newspaper operations. By fostering collaboration among different SBU's, Don Lee promotes best practices in content management and monetization. The President also plays a part in identifying and capitalizing on new market opportunities within the media landscape. Ultimately, Lee drives operational excellence and contributes to the sustained growth and market leadership of Lee Enterprises.

    Kelly Till - President, Times-Dispatch (Richmond)

    Kelly Till, the President, Times-Dispatch (Richmond) at Lee Enterprises, leads the strategic direction and operational management of the Richmond-based business unit. Till oversees the production and distribution of local news content, digital subscription platforms, and advertising services for the Richmond market. This role involves driving revenue growth through integrated marketing solutions and audience engagement strategies. By managing local teams and resources, Kelly Till ensures the Times-Dispatch effectively serves its community and advertisers. The President, Times-Dispatch (Richmond) also focuses on enhancing digital capabilities and content innovation. Ultimately, Till strengthens Lee Enterprises' market position and financial performance in Richmond through dedicated leadership.

    Robert Cravaritis - President, Iowa Business Unit

    Robert Cravaritis, the President, Iowa Business Unit at Lee Enterprises, directs the comprehensive operations of the company's business activities within Iowa. Cravaritis oversees the performance of local news publications, digital platforms, and advertising services across the state. This leadership position involves implementing strategies to enhance subscriber engagement and advertising revenue. By managing regional teams and resources, Robert Cravaritis ensures the delivery of high-quality local content and marketing solutions. The President, Iowa Business Unit also focuses on optimizing operational efficiencies and fostering strong community ties. Ultimately, Cravaritis drives the success and market relevance of Lee Enterprises' Iowa operations.

    Mellesa Boudeman - Advertising Chief of Staff

    Mellesa Boudeman, the Advertising Chief of Staff at Lee Enterprises, supports the strategic direction and operational efficiency of the advertising division. Boudeman coordinates key initiatives across advertising and marketing services, including audience extension and search engine optimization. This role involves streamlining processes and ensuring effective communication between advertising teams and clients. By managing critical projects, Mellesa Boudeman enhances the delivery of advertising solutions, such as search engine marketing and social media services. The Advertising Chief of Staff also assists in the development and implementation of new advertising products and strategies. Ultimately, Boudeman contributes to the revenue growth and market penetration of Lee Enterprises' advertising offerings.

    Joseph Battistoni - Chief Revenue Officer (CRO)

    Joseph Battistoni, the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at Lee Enterprises, drives all revenue-generating activities across the company's diverse portfolio. Overseeing sales and marketing efforts, Battistoni ensures the maximization of income from digital subscription platforms, newspapers, and advertising services. This leadership position involves developing and executing strategies to increase revenue streams from audience extension, search engine optimization, and reputation management services. By fostering strong client relationships and identifying new market opportunities, Joseph Battistoni enhances the company's commercial success. The Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) also collaborates with editorial and product teams to align revenue goals with content strategy. Ultimately, Battistoni secures sustainable revenue growth for Lee Enterprises through innovative commercial approaches.
    Joseph Battistoni
    Astrid Garcia, the Vice President, Human Resources Legal & Chief Legal Officer at Lee Enterprises, provides comprehensive legal counsel and oversees human resources functions. Garcia manages all legal affairs, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations across the company's operations, including its digital subscription platforms and advertising services. This critical role involves advising on corporate governance, employment law, and intellectual property matters. By safeguarding the company's legal interests, Astrid Garcia supports strategic decision-making and risk mitigation. The Vice President, Human Resources Legal & Chief Legal Officer also directs human resources policies and initiatives, fostering a productive and compliant work environment. Ultimately, Garcia ensures the legal integrity and ethical conduct of 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 Deborah Anselm (President, Iowa SBU).
    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), Deborah Anselm (President, Iowa SBU) 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, President, Iowa SBU, President, Billings Gazette & Vice President of Sales (Montana), President.