With more than 30 years of experience in the media industry, David Meadows will step in as the new general manager for Central Missouri Newspapers Inc.
By early January, Meadows will oversee the daily operations of the Jefferson City News Tribune, Fulton Sun, California Democrat and HER Magazine, along with CMNI's commercial printing facility.
Sixteen of Meadows' 30 years of experience were spent as either a general manager or publisher. He currently serves as a publisher with Paxton Media Group in Russellville, Arkansas. He also has held various positions with Gannett and Morris Communications.
Meadows said his experience gives him a good understanding of the business and has created a passion for the news industry.
The news industry plays an important role in the community, and CMNI has a "great foundation," Meadows said. He wants to build upon that through collaboration and listening to different ideas.
"I think I can seek out some opportunities to help us grow and build upon the foundation that's already here," he said. "I really want to get in and kind of meet with everyone and firm up some strategies moving forward."
Meadows said he is excited to interact with the community as general manager of CMNI.
"I think that's important for me to do that and just to be seen," he said. "I know Gary (Castor, CMNI managing editor) is out, but I think the general manager should also be out and meeting folks, so I hope that helps us with our standing in the community."
Meadows added he is looking forward to joining the teams in Jefferson City, Fulton and California.
WEHCO Media, a family-owned company based in Little Rock, Arkansas, owns Central Missouri Newspapers.
Mark Lane, president of WEHCO Media's newspaper division, said he looks forward to working with Meadows.
"David (has) phenomenal experience as an executive leader, and he knows this business extremely well," he said.
This story was updated to clarify at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019.