Meeting Missouri Press members where they work

When Chad Stebbins was announced as the next executive director of Missouri Press Association, one of his goals was to make personal visits to member newspapers around the state.

Since officially taking over from Mark Maassen earlier in the year, Stebbins has visited several newspapers, in addition to meetings in connection with Association activities and regional press meetings. His first trip was to the Fayette Advertiser to chat with publisher and owner Justin Addison.

Since then, visits by Stebbins and other Missouri Press staff have included:

• Amos Bridges at the Springfield News-Leader;
• Marty Goodnight, Christine Temple, and staff of the Springfield Business Journal;
• Harrison Keegan and Kent Johnson at the Springfield Daily Citizen;
• Ryan Squibb and staff at the Lawrence County Record;
• Lorie Harter and staff at the Nevada Daily Mail;
• Bill Miller Jr. and the staff of the Washington Missourian;
• Andy Ostmeyer, Jerry Wills, and Kimberly O’Bannon at the Joplin Globe; and
• Melody Metzger at the Lamar Democrat.

And Stebbins isn’t done. Looking forward to 2026, he wants to meet with more publishers, editors and other newspaper leaders around Missouri. In addition to seeing firsthand how member newspapers operate, he also wants to hear how MPA can better meet members’ needs.

If you’re interested in having Stebbins visit your newspaper office, give him a call at (573) 449-4167, ext. 308, or send an email to cstebbins@mopress.com to schedule a meeting.

As the Missouri General Assembly’s 2026 legislative session draws closer, Stebbins is also available to give advice and talking points for how newspapers can meet with local lawmakers to discuss how proposed legislation could affect newspapers.

More information about legislation of interest to Missouri Press members will be shared as it becomes available. Dec. 1 marks the beginning of filing for the 2026 legislative session.