Seattle Times Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Seattle Times has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, fiscal planning, and corporate leadership.

Committed to delivering essential local journalism, Seattle Times maintains a rigorous focus on community engagement and the preservation of independent news reporting across the Washington region.

Leadership Roles at Seattle Times

  • Chief Executive Officer Fab - Charlene Blethen
  • Chief Financial Officer - Mae Fujitanumata
  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Mae Neumata
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Alayne Fardella
  • President - Alan Fisco
  • Charlene Blethen - Chief Executive Officer Fab

    Charlene Blethen, the Chief Executive Officer Fab at Seattle Times, directs the overarching strategic vision for this historic media organization. By prioritizing the sustainability of local journalism, Blethen ensures the publication remains a cornerstone of the Washington news landscape. The Chief Executive Officer Fab manages high-level relationships with stakeholders while driving long-term growth initiatives across the greater Seattle metropolitan area. Through constant evaluation of market trends, Charlene Blethen identifies opportunities to modernize digital delivery platforms. This leadership role demands precise alignment between editorial integrity and commercial viability. By fostering a culture of innovation, the Chief Executive Officer Fab secures the future of the institution. Ultimately, Blethen maintains the standard of excellence expected from a century-old daily newspaper, ensuring the business model adapts to the evolving demands of modern readers while upholding the core mission of providing reliable, local news coverage.

    Mae Fujitanumata - Chief Financial Officer

    Mae Fujitanumata, the Chief Financial Officer at Seattle Times, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the organization. Overseeing the financial reporting processes, the Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency and accuracy in all budgetary matters. Fujitanumata directs the development of financial models that support the expansion of digital subscription services across the Pacific Northwest. By analyzing revenue streams from advertising and circulation, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes resource distribution to maximize operational efficiency. Mae Fujitanumata collaborates with the executive team to mitigate financial risks while pursuing sustainable growth opportunities. This role involves rigorous oversight of internal controls and long-term investment planning. Through disciplined fiscal management, Fujitanumata provides the necessary stability for the newsroom to focus on high-quality reporting. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer strengthens the financial foundation required to sustain the company's commitment to local journalism in a competitive media environment.

    Mae Neumata - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Mae Neumata, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Seattle Times, directs the treasury functions and corporate accounting practices for the organization. Overseeing the financial planning and analysis department, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer monitors cash flow and capital expenditures to ensure liquidity. Neumata architects the financial strategies that support the company's transition toward digital-first revenue models. By evaluating investment opportunities in new media technologies, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer drives the modernization of the business infrastructure. Mae Neumata works closely with the board to provide detailed insights into the company's economic performance and market positioning. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of the media industry's unique financial challenges. Through meticulous oversight of financial operations, Neumata ensures the organization remains resilient in a shifting economic landscape. Ultimately, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary to uphold the company's legacy of local news excellence.

    Alayne Fardella - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Alayne Fardella, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Seattle Times, executes the daily operational strategies that drive the company's news production and distribution. Overseeing the integration of print and digital workflows, the President & Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless delivery of content to the greater Seattle metropolitan area. Fardella manages the cross-functional teams responsible for advertising sales, circulation logistics, and technical infrastructure. By streamlining internal processes, the President & Chief Operating Officer enhances productivity across all departments. Alayne Fardella coordinates with the editorial leadership to align operational capabilities with the evolving needs of the newsroom. This role involves constant monitoring of performance metrics to ensure the organization meets its ambitious growth targets. Through effective management of daily operations, Fardella maintains the efficiency of the entire media enterprise. Ultimately, the President & Chief Operating Officer supports the company's mission by ensuring the business functions operate at peak performance levels.

    Alan Fisco - President

    Alan Fisco, the President at Seattle Times, leads the commercial strategy and business development efforts for the organization. Overseeing the expansion of the company's market reach, the President drives initiatives that increase audience engagement across the Washington region. Fisco manages the strategic partnerships that bolster the publication's influence in the local media market. By identifying new revenue opportunities, the President ensures the long-term viability of the newspaper's business model. Alan Fisco collaborates with the executive team to align corporate goals with the evolving needs of the community. This role involves navigating the complexities of the modern media landscape to maintain the company's competitive edge. Through visionary leadership, the President fosters an environment of growth and adaptability. Ultimately, Fisco directs the organization's efforts to remain a trusted source of information, ensuring the business continues to serve the public interest while achieving sustainable commercial success in a challenging industry.
    Alan Fisco

    Explore Leadership Teams in Media & Internet

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Seattle Times Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Seattle Times?
    Seattle Times is led by Charlene Blethen (Chief Executive Officer Fab), along with executives such as Mae Fujitanumata (Chief Financial Officer) and Mae Neumata (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Seattle Times’s executive team?
    The executive team of Seattle Times includes leaders such as Charlene Blethen (Chief Executive Officer Fab), Mae Fujitanumata (Chief Financial Officer), Mae Neumata (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Seattle Times have?
    Seattle Times has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Seattle Times’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Seattle Times includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer Fab, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President & Chief Operating Officer, President.