• by Ray Schultz , January 14, 2024

John Blais has joined Ballentine Communications as CEO and publisher of Ballantine Communications.

Previously, Blais was executive director for the St. Jude League/Claretian Publications and general manager for Capital Newspapers in Madison, Wisconsin, the Durango Herald reports. 

Blais also spent 13 years at the Chicago Sun-Times, serving as vice president, director of business development and director of audience development.

“In John, we are fortunate to find the expertise we need, with leadership history ranging from large established daily newspapers to local weekly publications, plus the initiative of creating a publication for his rural community of Marengo, Illinois,” Richard Ballantine, board chairman, said in an email to staff. 

Ballentine recently added a third title to its roster: Tri-City Record. the Herald reports.