Lessman Will Lead Minnesota Newspaper Association
The trade group board has appointed a new executive director to succeed long-term leader Lisa Hills.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in People
Justin Lessman will serve as the next executive director of the Minnesota Newspaper Association and Minnesota News Media Institute. He succeeds Lisa Hills, who will retire from the role on January 31, 2027.
Why it matters
The transition marks a change in leadership for the organization representing the state's news media operators. It concludes a long tenure characterized by four decades of organizational history.
Lisa Hills served as executive director for 20 years, representing a total tenure of nearly 40 years with the association. She will officially step down on January 31, 2027.
The players
Justin Lessman
The incoming executive director appointed to lead the Minnesota Newspaper Association and Minnesota News Media Institute.
Lisa Hills
The outgoing executive director who served in the role for 20 years and worked with the association for nearly four decades.
Minnesota Newspaper Association
A state-level trade organization representing the interests and operational standards of Minnesota news media outlets.
The details
The board of the Minnesota Newspaper Association and Minnesota News Media Institute appointed Justin Lessman to lead the organization following the retirement of its long-serving executive. The transition process is set to conclude in early 2027, handing oversight of the trade group's operations to a new director.
Timeline
January 31, 2027: Lisa Hills will officially retire as executive director.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition marks the conclusion of the 20-year executive director term of Lisa Hills. The appointment of Justin Lessman signals a shift in the long-standing management pattern for the Minnesota Newspaper Association.
Operators in the state media sector should monitor the leadership transition as new management policies take shape. The departure of a long-tenured director on January 31, 2027, suggests potential shifts in how the association manages its member services.
The takeaway
The transition represents a significant change for an association with four decades of consistent leadership. Business owners should track the incoming director's policy priorities as the organization approaches its new management era in 2027.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership trends, see People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Editor and Publisher.
