Missouri Press Association
Serving Missouri Newspapers Since 1867
Bryan Chester, general manager of the Columbia Missourian, was elected president of the Missouri Press Association Friday, Sept. 12, during the 159th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Wildwood.
Chester has been with the Missourian since he joined the sales staff in 2008 and was promoted to advertising manager in 2013. Editor & Publisher named Chester one of their Top 25 Under 35 in 2015.
In 2020, Chester was named general manager of the newspaper, which also serves as a working journalism lab for students at the Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Keeping newspapers viable is important to Chester both for his work with the J-school and because of what newspapers represent to their communities.
“Newspapers provide a deeper connection to your community. I’ve lived in Columbia for over 20 years, but it wasn’t until I began working for the Missourian that I realized just how broad and diverse the area is,” Chester said. “The Missourian tuned me into things I would otherwise never discover.”
Currently also serving on the board of the Missouri Press Advertising and Marketing Executives, of which he was previously the president in 2022, Chester embraces every chance to share his knowledge with other newspapers around the state, including digital business strategies and internet monetization opportunities.
Figuring out ways to make money off readers and their news consumption in an increasingly digital environment continues to be the greatest challenge for newspapers today.
“It is the only long-term solution for sustainable local news. The only question is how,” Chester said, adding that he looks forward to working with the other MPA Board members and the Association’s members to find solutions that help all newspapers.
Chester lives in Columbia with his wife, Jessica, and their son. He officially takes office as MPA president Jan. 1.
Peggy Scott, publisher of Leader Publications in Jefferson County, will continue on the MPA Board of Directors through 2026 as past president.
Other 2026 MPA officers and directors elected Sept. 12, include First Vice President, Bryan Jones, Morgan County Statesman, Versailles; Second Vice President, Mike Scott, NEMOnews Media Group, Kahoka; Secretary, Allen Edmonds, The North Cass Herald, Belton; and Treasurer, Hannah Spaar, The Odessan, Odessa.
Directors for three-year terms include Donna Bischoff, Bridge Tower Media, St. Louis; Jaime Mowers, Webster-Kirkwood Times, St. Louis; and Tim Schmidt, Westplex Media, Montgomery City.
Dawn Suggs, The St. Louis American, was elected as the National Newspaper Association state chair.
Continuing on the MPA Board in 2026 will be directors: Gary Castor, Jefferson City News Tribune; Kimberly Combs, Better Newspapers Inc., Piedmont; Kenneth L. Garner, Garner Media Holdings, Maryville; Sandy Nelson, Courier Tribune, Liberty; and Ron Schott, Wright County Journal, Mountain Grove.
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Missouri Press Association was founded in 1867 by Missouri newspaper editors and publishers. Today, MPA has member newspapers representing every Missouri county, along with many more news websites and other organizations throughout the state. Members play a key role in their communities, keeping local citizens informed, stimulating local commerce and fostering economic development. Headquartered in Columbia, the Association works with Missouri Press Service and Missouri Press Foundation to preserve the history of the newspaper industry, promote the journalism profession throughout the world and protect the free flow of information through legislation such as Missouri’s Sunshine Law.
