Digital Connections 2026

Fran Wills joined the Local Media Consortium in July 2018, where she develops technology and partnership strategies to drive revenue and audience growth for members. A veteran marketing and digital executive, she has held senior roles at Cox Media Group, The Dallas Morning News, and The Denver Post, leading digital innovation and partnerships with companies including Google and Yahoo. She lives on the Georgia coast with her husband and three children and enjoys cooking, gardening, and bee research on Sapelo Island.

Carolynn Buser is CEO of OnMilwaukee, where she leads the organization’s vision, strategy, operations, and financial performance. She has spent more than 15 years at OnMilwaukee, previously serving as Chief Operating Officer, Chief Content Officer, and Editorial Director. Throughout her tenure, she has overseen content strategy, social media, partnerships, and digital initiatives designed to grow audience engagement and revenue. A Milwaukee native and outspoken advocate for her city, Buser brings an energetic, opinionated, and deeply local perspective to covering culture, food, and community across the region.

Eric Olson is Digital Media Operations Manager at Forum Communications Co., a role he has held since March 2022. He previously served as National/Major’s Account Manager at Forum Communications and held advertising operations leadership roles at Rivertown Multimedia and the Duluth News Tribune. Over more than 17 years at the Duluth News Tribune, Olson worked across advertising operations, multimedia consulting, and customer services. Earlier in his career, he also served as a Broadcast Technician with Quarnstrom Radio Group. His experience spans digital media operations, advertising, and broadcast environments.

Michael Martoccia is Chief Digital Officer at Adams MultiMedia, where he leads digital revenue and the development of strategic marketing solutions across more than 100 markets in 18 states. He brings more than 30 years of experience in advertising and digital marketing leadership and has overseen sustained digital growth at Adams MultiMedia for the past five years. Martoccia has previously held senior digital and advertising leadership roles at McClatchy, BH Media, and CNHI. He is an active industry speaker and facilitator and is deeply involved in community service and volunteer leadership.

Shawn Riegsecker is CEO and Founder of Basis Technologies, which he founded in 2001 to build a comprehensive, automated, and intelligent software platform for the digital media industry. Under his leadership, Basis Technologies has earned numerous accolades, including recognition on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500, the Inc. 500, and Crain’s Chicago Business Best Places to Work, where it ranked No. 1 for three consecutive years. Riegsecker is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and a founding director and co-chairman of Unite America. He also serves on multiple boards and is an active angel investor through Firestarter Fund.

Fran Wills joined the Local Media Consortium in July 2018, where she develops technology and partnership strategies to drive revenue and audience growth for members. A veteran marketing and digital executive, she has held senior roles at Cox Media Group, The Dallas Morning News, and The Denver Post, leading digital innovation and partnerships with companies including Google and Yahoo. She lives on the Georgia coast with her husband and three children and enjoys cooking, gardening, and bee research on Sapelo Island.

Sara Kehaulani Goo is President of The Washington Post’s Creator Network, where she leads the development of a new media business focused on collaborating with independent creators, expanding audience engagement, and innovating commercial strategies, including the use of AI in content creation and distribution. She previously served as Editor in Chief and Executive Editor at Axios, overseeing significant newsroom growth and expansion into new products such as podcasts, video, events, and local news. Earlier in her career, Goo held senior leadership roles at NPR, where she led newsroom operations and digital strategy.

Justin Mitchell is Managing Editor of Audience at NOLA.com, where he leads digital audience strategy focused on growth, engagement, and retention. An experienced digital audience editor, Mitchell specializes in headline writing, SEO optimization, social media, newsletters, and content coaching. He has held senior audience and editing roles at Sun Herald, McClatchy, and The Clarion-Ledger, managing and supporting newsroom teams across multiple states. His work spans content strategy, digital publishing, audience distribution, and coaching journalists to better reach and serve their communities.

Tracey Kennedy is Senior Director of Client Strategy at the Las Vegas Review-Journal, where she leads a team delivering marketing and strategic services designed to drive advertising revenue and measurable results for clients. She brings a strong background in marketing and advertising strategy, with expertise spanning client service management, brand positioning, creative development, research, media planning, and ROI measurement. In her role, Kennedy serves as a marketing consultant to advertising clients, developing custom, data-informed campaigns across print, digital, and television platforms. She also leads B2B marketing efforts and partners closely with sales teams to support new business growth and digital revenue expansion.

Chris Patheiger is a product and innovation leader who helps legacy media and subscription-based businesses modernize and grow with operational discipline. Most recently, he served as Chief Product and Innovation Officer at DallasNews Corporation, where he led product, engineering, data, and innovation initiatives to drive audience and revenue growth and support the company’s acquisition by Hearst. With experience spanning major media organizations and startups, Patheiger brings an entrepreneurial, data-driven approach to scaling products, leveraging AI, and building high-performing teams.

Liz Hayes is Program Manager for Digital On-Demand Services (DODS), where she leads the Local Media Consortium's strategic initiative, connecting publishers with tools, resources, and expertise to grow their digital businesses. Her background spans broadcast journalism, sales, content strategy, and product development, including roles in radio, television, and branded content. She has worked as a reporter, anchor, executive producer, and director of strategy, and previously helped launch and scale a cross-market branded TV program. With experience across journalism, business, and philanthropy, Hayes brings a well-rounded, newsroom-informed approach to supporting local media organizations.

Alan Fisco is President and CEO of The Seattle Times, where he provides executive leadership across all business operations, including affiliate newspapers the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin and the Yakima Herald-Republic, as well as the company’s Kent printing facility. He joined The Seattle Times in 1992 and has held multiple senior leadership roles spanning circulation, marketing, finance, and operations. Fisco previously served as President of America’s Newspapers Association and currently chairs the America’s Newspapers Foundation and Legislative Committee. He holds a B.A. in economics from the University of Washington.

Emma Discher is Senior Audience and Engagement Editor at NOLA, with a focus on audience growth and community engagement. She specializes in crafting compelling headlines and developing promotion strategies that connect journalism with local audiences. Working across four daily newspapers in Louisiana, Discher manages a team of six and coaches more than 100 journalists, overseeing push notifications, social media, newsletters, and homepage strategy. She also supports a local opera nonprofit, where she builds social and email programs that have driven sold-out performances.

Jay has more than 18 years of experience in digital media and marketing and is known for developing innovative solutions for publishers and advertisers using technology, data, and analytics. As President of WEHCO Digital Media, he oversees operations for 11 digital media brands and a digital marketing agency across six states in the South and Midwest, leading teams that deliver high-quality products, services, and revenue growth. He also runs Digital Who, LLC, and previously served on the Local Media Consortium board.

Michael Martoccia is Chief Digital Officer at Adams MultiMedia, where he leads digital revenue and the development of strategic marketing solutions across more than 100 markets in 18 states. He brings more than 30 years of experience in advertising and digital marketing leadership and has overseen sustained digital growth at Adams MultiMedia for the past five years. Martoccia has previously held senior digital and advertising leadership roles at McClatchy, BH Media, and CNHI. He is an active industry speaker and facilitator and is deeply involved in community service and volunteer leadership.