• by Ray Schultz , December 29, 2024

Wick Communications, a publisher of community news publications, has named Josh O’Connor as CEO, effective in February 2025, the company announced last week. 

O’Connor is currently senior vice president and group publisher at Carpenter Media, formerly Black Press Media.  

The new CEO will be tasked with driving revenue, innovation and Wick’s community mission at its titles in 10 states.

O’Connor replaces Francis Wick, who has served as CEO since 2016. Wick will remain involved as a member of the board of directors and a third-generation family representative.

“I’m grateful O'Connor is joining the organization,” Wick said. “With hands-on experience operating newspapers comparably sized to ours, a focus on revenue generation, and a sharp strategic mind, he will play a key role in advancing the company’s transformation.”

O’Connor comments, “I have always been impressed by Wick’s commitment to journalistic excellence, innovation and mission to serve communities across its footprint from Alaska to Minnesota.”

Mississippi-based Carpenter Media has seen two rounds of layoffs this year, the most serious one occurring in June, when 62 jobs were eliminating at Sound Publishing, publisher of more than 40 newspapers in the state of Washington, reports state. O’Connor earlier served as president of Sound Publishing.