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SPEAKERS & PANELISTS
Mellesa Boudeman, Chief of Staff, Advertising - Lee Enterprises
Jean-Marc De Jonghe, Vice President, Digital - La Presse
Mickaela Lusignan, President - Gannett Media Solutions
My passion is protecting the First Amendment through strong monetization efforts to support journalism, integrity of truth, protection of local businesses and the right to start conversations in communities.
I believe a data driven society can be used for positive, and it is our responsibility to protect citizens from nefarious practices, abuse of personal data and to educate on and build a beautiful digital ecosystem. I believe strongly that freedom of the press and the integrity of truth are essential to our democracy.
As a leader in the company’s digital space charged with strategic growth, I have proven success in managing teams with the ability to produce measurable results for the company and clients, while controlling costs. I have a strong track record of leadership, change management, and sales & product development in multiple areas.
I am known for:
1. FOCUS ON PEOPLE
It’s all about the people. As a leader, I help my direct & indirect reports gain the experience they will need not just for their next position, but for two-to-three positions into the future. An active listener and passionate developer of people, I get to know people’s skills and interests. This helps me build high-functioning cross-functional work groups. I know when people are engaged in work that challenges them, they bring their very best each day. I set a high bar for performance and ensure progress by tracking towards our agreed goals.
2. SOLVING PROBLEMS
A systems thinker with experience working with senior business decision makers, I know that the key to solving problems is identifying and defining the problem to be solved. This is where a careful look at available data is helpful. When decision makers agree on the problem focus, those priorities are translated into comprehensive plans including setting cadences, agendas, and logistics, to allow the Leadership Team to align their time with those priority areas. I am especially energized by opportunities to innovate. I am comfortable leading change management and implementing new directions, owning initiatives in the short term, and handing off in the longer term.
3. ACHIEVING RESULTS
Motivated by continuously solving hard problems, I am able to shape end-to-end business programs and articulate missions, performance criteria, and stakeholder buy-in. I am adept at working within our complex, dynamic company environment to address multiple products, audiences and KPI models simultaneously. A strong communicator, I have a track record of driving results through direct and indirect influence.
I believe a data driven society can be used for positive, and it is our responsibility to protect citizens from nefarious practices, abuse of personal data and to educate on and build a beautiful digital ecosystem. I believe strongly that freedom of the press and the integrity of truth are essential to our democracy.
As a leader in the company’s digital space charged with strategic growth, I have proven success in managing teams with the ability to produce measurable results for the company and clients, while controlling costs. I have a strong track record of leadership, change management, and sales & product development in multiple areas.
I am known for:
1. FOCUS ON PEOPLE
It’s all about the people. As a leader, I help my direct & indirect reports gain the experience they will need not just for their next position, but for two-to-three positions into the future. An active listener and passionate developer of people, I get to know people’s skills and interests. This helps me build high-functioning cross-functional work groups. I know when people are engaged in work that challenges them, they bring their very best each day. I set a high bar for performance and ensure progress by tracking towards our agreed goals.
2. SOLVING PROBLEMS
A systems thinker with experience working with senior business decision makers, I know that the key to solving problems is identifying and defining the problem to be solved. This is where a careful look at available data is helpful. When decision makers agree on the problem focus, those priorities are translated into comprehensive plans including setting cadences, agendas, and logistics, to allow the Leadership Team to align their time with those priority areas. I am especially energized by opportunities to innovate. I am comfortable leading change management and implementing new directions, owning initiatives in the short term, and handing off in the longer term.
3. ACHIEVING RESULTS
Motivated by continuously solving hard problems, I am able to shape end-to-end business programs and articulate missions, performance criteria, and stakeholder buy-in. I am adept at working within our complex, dynamic company environment to address multiple products, audiences and KPI models simultaneously. A strong communicator, I have a track record of driving results through direct and indirect influence.
Allyson McKinney, Director of Digital Ad Operations - The Seattle-Times
Mike McCarthy, Sr. Director of AI, Sales & Business Solutions - Hearst Newspapers
Michael McCarthy is the Senior Director of AI, Sales and Business Solutions at Hearst Newspapers, where he leads the development and adoption of generative AI tools that streamline advertising workflows and drive measurable revenue growth. As a Founding Member of the OpenAI Champion Network, Michael sits at the intersection of innovation and execution—bridging strategy and sales through AI enablement at scale.
His work has been featured by INMA, America’s Newspapers and Digiday, where he shared strategies highlighting Hearst’s advancements in personalization, campaign planning, and media storytelling.
Prior to his current role, Michael held leadership positions at Hearst Connecticut Media Group and MJH Life Sciences, with a track record of building high-performing sales teams and digital-first transformations.
His work has been featured by INMA, America’s Newspapers and Digiday, where he shared strategies highlighting Hearst’s advancements in personalization, campaign planning, and media storytelling.
Prior to his current role, Michael held leadership positions at Hearst Connecticut Media Group and MJH Life Sciences, with a track record of building high-performing sales teams and digital-first transformations.
Mike Sallows, Senior Director of Operations - Postmedia Network
Aaron Kotarek, General Manager & COO - The Spokesman-Review
Creighton Green, Founder - Audience
Shalonda Lewis, Director, Operations - Tribune Publishing
Jennifer Craig, Regional Director - Prudential Advisors
As a Regional Director with Prudential, my responsibilities include recruiting, selecting and developing high- quality Financial Professional Associates (FPAs). FPAs are expected to gain a thorough understanding of Prudential’s products and services and develop skills in our relationship- based sales process. I support our FPAs’ successes by working with them during sales calls and extending valuable feedback and training at their weekly coaching sessions. In addition, I assist FPAs in developing a marketing strategy that will help them reach their full potential.
Jennifer Craig is a Financial Planner with, and offers securities and investment advisory services through LPL Enterprise (LPLE), a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC, and an affiliate of LPL Financial. For hyperlinks to FINRA and SIPC, please refer to ‘Contact’ section.
“Prudential Advisors” is a brand name for the proprietary retail sales channel of The Prudential Insurance Company of America (“PICA”) and its insurance company and other affiliates (collectively “Prudential”). Prudential Advisors financial professionals are licensed insurance agents of Prudential.
Pursuant to a strategic relationship among Prudential, LPLE, and LPL Financial, Prudential Advisors financial professionals provide securities brokerage services and/or investment advice on securities solely as registered persons of LPLE, an affiliate of LPL Financial. These financial professionals are permitted to brand under “Prudential Advisors.” LPLE and LPL Financial are not affiliated with Prudential.
Third party posts found on this profile do not reflect the views of LPL Enterprise and have not been reviewed by LPL Enterprise as to accuracy or completeness.
The financial professionals associated with LPL Enterprise may discuss and/or transact business only with residents of the states in which they are properly registered or licensed. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident of any other state.
Jennifer Craig is a Financial Planner with, and offers securities and investment advisory services through LPL Enterprise (LPLE), a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC, and an affiliate of LPL Financial. For hyperlinks to FINRA and SIPC, please refer to ‘Contact’ section.
“Prudential Advisors” is a brand name for the proprietary retail sales channel of The Prudential Insurance Company of America (“PICA”) and its insurance company and other affiliates (collectively “Prudential”). Prudential Advisors financial professionals are licensed insurance agents of Prudential.
Pursuant to a strategic relationship among Prudential, LPLE, and LPL Financial, Prudential Advisors financial professionals provide securities brokerage services and/or investment advice on securities solely as registered persons of LPLE, an affiliate of LPL Financial. These financial professionals are permitted to brand under “Prudential Advisors.” LPLE and LPL Financial are not affiliated with Prudential.
Third party posts found on this profile do not reflect the views of LPL Enterprise and have not been reviewed by LPL Enterprise as to accuracy or completeness.
The financial professionals associated with LPL Enterprise may discuss and/or transact business only with residents of the states in which they are properly registered or licensed. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident of any other state.
Jon Babicz, Head of Digital Media - MediaMax Network
Full-funnel digital media expert and cross-functional leader. “If you can stream it, you can do it.” I see the world in high-tech as a Digital Marketing Professional with the bandwidth to create integrated campaigns, execute online objectives across all platforms, all while training an entire organization across multiple channels and platforms. As an experienced media consultant and former small business owner, I draw on direct experience and deliver on metrics and KPIs.
With over 20 years of proven performance in digital advertising, marketing, and customer service, I am a project developer and versatile leader who ensures valued clients and strong teams stay up-to-speed in fast-growing industries. Much like the technology I employ, my role is multifaceted as I oversee overall digital strategy from spec to launch.
With over 20 years of proven performance in digital advertising, marketing, and customer service, I am a project developer and versatile leader who ensures valued clients and strong teams stay up-to-speed in fast-growing industries. Much like the technology I employ, my role is multifaceted as I oversee overall digital strategy from spec to launch.
Kat White, Director, Sales Operations & Enablement - Hearst Newspapers
Katerina White is a media sales enablement and operations leader with a passion for building high-performing teams and scalable strategy. As Director of Sales Operations and Enablement at Hearst Newspapers, she drives performance through smart systems, training, and tools that align with the fast-moving world of modern media. Her work bridges the gap between big-picture strategy and day-to-day sales success.
Prior to her current role, Katerina held leadership positions at Hearst Houston, McClatchy and E.W. Scripps. in Sales Enablement and Digital Strategy roles.
Prior to her current role, Katerina held leadership positions at Hearst Houston, McClatchy and E.W. Scripps. in Sales Enablement and Digital Strategy roles.
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