TEGNA Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

TEGNA has 10 executives leading key functions including media operations, broadcast management, sales strategy, and legal oversight.

Focused on empowering communities through impactful storytelling, TEGNA drives innovation across the digital media landscape to ensure the greater good remains the central pillar of all broadcasting and marketing services.

Leadership Roles at TEGNA

  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Media Operations - Lynn Beall
  • President & General Manager - Tod Smith
  • President & General Manager, Kcen-TV & Kags-TV - Robert Dwyer
  • President, Tegna Sales - Gib Gibson
  • President and General Manager At WUSA - Richard Dyer
  • President & General Manager - Valerie Guyton
  • President & General Manager - Katie Morris
  • President and General Manager WHAS11 - Lisa Columbia
  • President & General Manager - Brian Cliffe
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer - Alex Tolston
  • Lynn Beall - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Media Operations

    Lynn Beall, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Media Operations at TEGNA, directs the comprehensive broadcast strategy across all regional markets. Overseeing the daily performance of diverse media assets, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Media Operations ensures that content production aligns with the core mission of serving local communities. This leadership role involves optimizing operational workflows to enhance the reach of impactful investigations and digital storytelling. By coordinating with station managers, Beall maintains high standards for journalistic integrity and audience engagement. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Media Operations also manages the integration of new digital tools to modernize traditional broadcasting platforms. Through rigorous oversight of media operations, Lynn Beall secures the long-term growth of the company while fostering a culture of innovation. This strategic focus on operational excellence directly supports the broader goal of delivering high-quality, community-focused content across the entire national footprint.

    Tod Smith - President & General Manager

    Tod Smith, the President & General Manager at TEGNA, manages the strategic direction and daily output of specific broadcast stations. Focusing on local market penetration, the President & General Manager architects programming schedules that prioritize community-centric news and investigative reporting. This role requires constant collaboration with editorial teams to ensure that content remains relevant to regional audiences. By driving local advertising revenue and fostering partnerships with community stakeholders, the President & General Manager strengthens the market position of the station. Tod Smith also oversees the transition toward digital-first content delivery, ensuring that local stories reach viewers on multiple platforms. Through the effective management of station resources, the President & General Manager maintains operational efficiency and high production quality. This leadership ensures that the station remains a trusted source of information, directly contributing to the overall mission of empowering communities through reliable, impactful journalism and innovative marketing services.

    Robert Dwyer - President & General Manager, Kcen-TV & Kags-TV

    Robert Dwyer, the President & General Manager, Kcen-TV & Kags-TV at TEGNA, oversees the broadcast operations for these specific regional television assets. Directing the newsroom and sales departments, the President & General Manager, Kcen-TV & Kags-TV ensures that local programming reflects the unique needs of the viewing audience. This role involves managing the technical infrastructure and personnel required to produce high-quality investigative content. By implementing strategic growth initiatives, the President & General Manager, Kcen-TV & Kags-TV expands the reach of these stations within the competitive media landscape. Robert Dwyer also coordinates with corporate leadership to align local station goals with the broader company mission of community empowerment. Through the consistent delivery of accurate news and engaging digital content, the President & General Manager, Kcen-TV & Kags-TV drives audience loyalty and advertising performance. This leadership role remains essential for maintaining the reputation of these stations as pillars of information and service within the local market.

    Gib Gibson - President, Tegna Sales

    Gib Gibson, the President, Tegna Sales at TEGNA, leads the national and local advertising sales strategy. Architecting innovative marketing solutions, the President, Tegna Sales ensures that clients effectively reach target audiences through the company's diverse media platforms. This role involves managing large-scale sales teams and developing data-driven advertising products that leverage the power of local broadcasting. By aligning sales objectives with the company's commitment to impactful storytelling, the President, Tegna Sales drives revenue growth while maintaining brand integrity. Gib Gibson also collaborates with station leadership to optimize inventory management and pricing strategies across all markets. Through the implementation of advanced digital advertising technologies, the President, Tegna Sales enhances the value proposition for marketing partners. This leadership role directly supports the financial stability of the organization, enabling continued investment in high-quality journalism and community-focused programming that defines the company's market presence.

    Richard Dyer - President and General Manager At WUSA

    Richard Dyer, the President and General Manager At WUSA at TEGNA, directs the operations and strategic vision for this key station. Overseeing the news, production, and sales departments, the President and General Manager At WUSA ensures that the station delivers high-impact investigations and community-focused content. This role involves managing the station's digital transformation, ensuring that news reaches audiences across all modern platforms. By fostering strong relationships with local community leaders, the President and General Manager At WUSA maintains the station's status as a trusted information source. Richard Dyer also manages the station's budget and resource allocation to maximize operational efficiency. Through the execution of targeted growth strategies, the President and General Manager At WUSA strengthens the station's competitive position in the market. This leadership role remains vital for upholding the company's mission of empowering communities through storytelling and innovative marketing services.

    Valerie Guyton - President & General Manager

    Valerie Guyton, the President & General Manager at TEGNA, leads the operational and editorial strategy for the assigned broadcast station. Focusing on audience growth, the President & General Manager develops programming that highlights local issues and community achievements. This role involves managing the station's daily news operations and ensuring that all content adheres to the company's high standards for investigative journalism. By driving local sales initiatives and building partnerships with regional businesses, the President & General Manager enhances the station's financial performance. Valerie Guyton also oversees the integration of digital platforms to ensure that news content remains accessible to a broad audience. Through the effective management of station personnel and resources, the President & General Manager maintains a high level of operational excellence. This leadership role directly contributes to the company's mission of serving the greater good by providing reliable, impactful information to the local community.

    Katie Morris - President & General Manager

    Katie Morris, the President & General Manager at TEGNA, manages the strategic and operational functions of the assigned broadcast station. Directing the newsroom and sales teams, the President & General Manager ensures that the station provides high-quality, community-focused content. This role involves developing local programming that addresses the specific needs and interests of the viewing audience. By driving revenue through innovative marketing services, the President & General Manager strengthens the station's financial health. Katie Morris also oversees the station's digital strategy, ensuring that content reaches viewers on all platforms. Through the effective management of station resources and personnel, the President & General Manager maintains high production standards and operational efficiency. This leadership role remains essential for upholding the company's mission of serving the greater good through impactful storytelling and reliable journalism that informs and empowers the local community.

    Lisa Columbia - President and General Manager WHAS11

    Lisa Columbia, the President and General Manager WHAS11 at TEGNA, leads the operations and strategic direction for this specific station. Overseeing the news, production, and sales departments, the President and General Manager WHAS11 ensures that the station delivers impactful investigations and community-focused content. This role involves managing the station's digital transformation, ensuring that news reaches audiences across all modern platforms. By fostering strong relationships with local community leaders, the President and General Manager WHAS11 maintains the station's status as a trusted information source. Lisa Columbia also manages the station's budget and resource allocation to maximize operational efficiency. Through the execution of targeted growth strategies, the President and General Manager WHAS11 strengthens the station's competitive position in the market. This leadership role remains vital for upholding the company's mission of empowering communities through storytelling and innovative marketing services.

    Brian Cliffe - President & General Manager

    Brian Cliffe, the President & General Manager at TEGNA, directs the operational and editorial strategy for the assigned broadcast station. Focusing on audience growth, the President & General Manager develops programming that highlights local issues and community achievements. This role involves managing the station's daily news operations and ensuring that all content adheres to the company's high standards for investigative journalism. By driving local sales initiatives and building partnerships with regional businesses, the President & General Manager enhances the station's financial performance. Brian Cliffe also oversees the integration of digital platforms to ensure that news content remains accessible to a broad audience. Through the effective management of station personnel and resources, the President & General Manager maintains a high level of operational excellence. This leadership role directly contributes to the company's mission of serving the greater good by providing reliable, impactful information to the local community.
    Brian Cliffe
    Alex Tolston, the Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer at TEGNA, directs the legal and regulatory strategy for the entire organization. Overseeing compliance, intellectual property, and corporate governance, the Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer ensures that all business activities align with legal standards and ethical practices. This role involves providing counsel to the board and executive leadership on complex media regulations and strategic transactions. By managing legal risks associated with investigative journalism and digital content distribution, the Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer protects the company's reputation and operational freedom. Alex Tolston also leads the legal team in navigating the evolving landscape of media law and digital privacy. Through the proactive management of legal affairs, the Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer supports the company's mission of empowering communities by ensuring a stable and compliant foundation for all broadcasting and marketing services.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding TEGNA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads TEGNA?
    TEGNA is led by Lynn Beall (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Media Operations), along with executives such as Tod Smith (President & General Manager) and Robert Dwyer (President & General Manager, Kcen-TV & Kags-TV).
    Who is part of TEGNA’s executive team?
    The executive team of TEGNA includes leaders such as Lynn Beall (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Media Operations), Tod Smith (President & General Manager), Robert Dwyer (President & General Manager, Kcen-TV & Kags-TV) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does TEGNA have?
    TEGNA has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in TEGNA’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of TEGNA includes roles such as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Media Operations, President & General Manager, President & General Manager, Kcen-TV & Kags-TV, President, Tegna Sales, President and General Manager At WUSA.