America's Newspapers names new CEO

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America’s Newspapers, the newly launched and largest newspaper association of its kind, announced Dean Ridings will be its chief executive officer, effective Nov. 11.

Ridings served for two decades as president and CEO of the Florida Press Association. He managed five state media associations and Intersect Media Solutions, a $40 million for-profit enterprise providing marketing research and media solutions to regional and national clients. He also initiated new forums and events, most notably hosting debates for state and national level political office.

"Dean Ridings brings a passion for newspapers and an experience in association management that will propel the launch of America’s Newspapers as a relentless advocate and voice for the newspaper industry,” said Chris Reen, the inaugural president of America’s Newspapers and president and publisher of The Gazette in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

"It’s a true honor to be joining America’s Newspapers,” Ridings said. “This association has a legendary foundation and a clear mission for the future. Newspapers are vital to our democracy and our communities. I’m excited to begin working with our passionate and engaged member newspapers.” 

America’s Newspapers — the association formed from the merger of the Inland Press Association and Southern Newspaper Publishers Association — was ceremonially launched October 6 at its inaugural meeting in Chicago. America’s Newspapers unites two of the most storied press associations to form one of the industry’s largest advocates for newspapers and the many benefits they bring to their communities, freedom of expression and democracy. Learn more at newspapers.org.

Vetted Solutions, a Washington, D.C. based executive search firm, managed the national search for the first CEO of America’s Newspapers.