McClatchy Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

McClatchy has 5 executives leading key functions including local news operations, B2B product technology, division media management, corporate presidency, and regional editorial oversight.

Committed to journalistic excellence, McClatchy delivers essential news and marketing solutions across American communities while maintaining a legacy of public service and digital transformation.

Leadership Roles at McClatchy

  • President - Tefferi Gashaw
  • President & The News Tribune Editor & Olympian, Northwest Regional Editor - Stephanie Pedersen
  • Chief of Staff and Local News - Kathy Vetter
  • Chief Technology Officer, B2B Products - Derek Cohen
  • Division Media Chief of Staff - Jane Howard
  • Tefferi Gashaw - President

    Tefferi Gashaw, the President at McClatchy, drives the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the publishing enterprise. Overseeing the entire portfolio of daily and non-daily newspapers, the President ensures that the company maintains its commitment to journalistic excellence and community engagement. This role involves managing relationships with the Board and key stakeholders to secure financial stability and growth. By fostering a culture of innovation, Tefferi Gashaw guides the organization through the transition from traditional print to digital-first media models. The President coordinates the efforts of all executive leaders to ensure operational efficiency across the national footprint. Through the pursuit of sustainable business practices, Gashaw strengthens the market position of the company. This leadership role remains essential for navigating the complexities of the media industry while upholding the historical mission of the organization.

    Stephanie Pedersen - President & The News Tribune Editor & Olympian, Northwest Regional Editor

    Stephanie Pedersen, the President & The News Tribune Editor & Olympian, Northwest Regional Editor at McClatchy, directs editorial operations across the Pacific Northwest. Overseeing the newsrooms of multiple publications, the President & The News Tribune Editor & Olympian, Northwest Regional Editor ensures that local reporting remains impactful and relevant to regional audiences. This role involves managing the editorial strategy to increase digital subscriptions and community engagement. By supervising the integration of regional news content, Stephanie Pedersen maintains high standards of journalistic integrity. The President & The News Tribune Editor & Olympian, Northwest Regional Editor collaborates with other regional leaders to share best practices and optimize content distribution. Through the development of local investigative reporting, Pedersen drives the growth of the brand in the Northwest market. This leadership function remains vital for sustaining the influence of the company in the regional media landscape.
    Stephanie Pedersen

    Kathy Vetter - Chief of Staff and Local News

    Kathy Vetter, the Chief of Staff and Local News at McClatchy, directs the operational integration of daily and non-daily newspaper workflows. Overseeing the synchronization of newsroom resources, the Chief of Staff and Local News ensures that editorial standards align with the broader publishing mission. This role involves managing cross-functional teams to optimize content delivery across diverse American markets. By streamlining internal communication, Kathy Vetter facilitates the rapid dissemination of critical information to local audiences. The Chief of Staff and Local News also coordinates with regional leadership to maintain high-quality reporting standards. Through the implementation of efficient operational frameworks, Vetter supports the long-term sustainability of local journalism. This position remains vital for maintaining the integrity of the news cycle while adapting to evolving media consumption habits across the national footprint of the organization.

    Derek Cohen - Chief Technology Officer, B2B Products

    Derek Cohen, the Chief Technology Officer, B2B Products at McClatchy, architects the digital infrastructure supporting direct marketing and direct mail operations. Overseeing the development of proprietary B2B software, the Chief Technology Officer, B2B Products ensures that advertising clients receive high-performance data analytics and targeting tools. This role involves driving the technological roadmap to enhance revenue streams through innovative digital solutions. By integrating advanced automation into the existing publishing ecosystem, Derek Cohen optimizes the efficiency of commercial services. The Chief Technology Officer, B2B Products collaborates with executive leadership to align technical capabilities with market demands. Through the deployment of scalable cloud-based platforms, Cohen secures a competitive advantage for the company in the evolving media landscape. This leadership function remains essential for modernizing the business model and expanding the reach of commercial offerings across the United States.
    Derek Cohen

    Jane Howard - Division Media Chief of Staff

    Jane Howard, the Division Media Chief of Staff at McClatchy, manages the administrative and operational alignment of various media divisions. Overseeing the execution of corporate initiatives, the Division Media Chief of Staff ensures that individual newspaper units adhere to company-wide strategic goals. This role involves facilitating communication between regional offices and the central headquarters to maintain operational consistency. By optimizing resource allocation across multiple media properties, Jane Howard supports the overall growth of the publishing portfolio. The Division Media Chief of Staff coordinates complex projects that span across different geographic markets, ensuring that all divisions meet performance benchmarks. Through the implementation of standardized reporting processes, Howard enhances the transparency and accountability of the media operations. This leadership position remains critical for maintaining organizational cohesion while navigating the challenges of the modern news industry.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding McClatchy Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads McClatchy?
    McClatchy is led by Tefferi Gashaw (President), along with executives such as Stephanie Pedersen (President & The News Tribune Editor & Olympian, Northwest Regional Editor) and Kathy Vetter (Chief of Staff and Local News).
    Who is part of McClatchy’s executive team?
    The executive team of McClatchy includes leaders such as Tefferi Gashaw (President), Stephanie Pedersen (President & The News Tribune Editor & Olympian, Northwest Regional Editor), Kathy Vetter (Chief of Staff and Local News) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does McClatchy have?
    McClatchy has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in McClatchy’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of McClatchy includes roles such as President, President & The News Tribune Editor & Olympian, Northwest Regional Editor, Chief of Staff and Local News, Chief Technology Officer, B2B Products, Division Media Chief of Staff.