The 2026-27 class of the America’s Newspapers Executive Development Program kicked off this week in New Orleans. Now in its fifth year, Cohort V brought together 17 industry executives from across numerous newspaper departments for their initial in-person leadership sessions.
Held at The Times-Picayune/NOLA.com offices and hosted by Georges Media Group, the opening session featured discussions centered around leadership, communication, advertising KPIs and opportunities, marketing, strategic partnerships and philanthropy, growing audience, subscription retention, AI and newspaper research. Participants also had opportunities for networking and peer-to-peer learning.
The Executive Development Program is designed to help high-potential leaders step confidently into larger roles. Over the course of the year, participants engage in three in-person sessions and a series of virtual follow-ups focused on building the skills, perspective and relationships needed to lead a modern local news organization.
Sara Willard, program and training director of the America’s Newspapers Foundation, said: “This week is one of my favorite moments of the year because it’s where possibility becomes momentum. We intentionally bring together leaders from across the industry with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, and within just a few days you can already see the trust, collaboration and big thinking begin to take shape. I’m incredibly excited to watch this group challenge one another, embrace new technologies like AI and ultimately build solutions that will make a lasting impact on their organizations and the communities they serve.”
Greg Watson, executive director of the America’s Newspapers Foundation, said: “Our Executive Development Program has graduated some remarkable classes, and this New Orleans group already has the makings of another — engaged, thoughtful and committed to the future of local newspapers. Special thanks to Kevin Hall and the NOLA.com team for hosting us and sharing their expertise.”
This program, inspired by the Inland Press Foundation, includes participants from a wide range of backgrounds, markets and roles.
Members of the 2026-27 Executive Development Cohort include:
In addition to a series of virtual sessions, the Cohort will meet in-person at the Senior Leadership Conference this September in Washington, D.C., and at the 2027 Mega-Conference in April.
