Missouri Press Association
Serving Missouri Newspapers Since 1867
With 20 years at Missouri Press, Kristie Fortier has often been the first person many people working with the Association are introduced to, whether it’s to become a member newspaper, register for an event or even just to get press cards and those little sticker calendars everyone loves.
Fortier has provided a guiding hand for Missouri Press’ regional press associations, helping with programming when needed, and been the driving force behind the Missouri Press Advertising and Marketing Executives group’s annual meeting for many years.
With a last day set for March 13, Fortier will be leaving the Missouri Press Association for another organization based in Columbia, the Missouri Public Utility Alliance. MPA is looking for another meeting planner and member services director, and a job description can be found on Page 3 of this issue of Missouri Press News.
In announcing her departure to the MPA Board of Directors at the group’s Feb. 18 meeting, Fortier said the decision was not made lightly. MPA President Bryan Chester said Fortier has made “Missouri Press a warm and welcoming place.”
Fortier first joined Missouri Press Association in April 2006, hired by then-Executive Director Doug Crews to be in charge of meeting planning and member services. Reflecting on Fortier’s time with Missouri Press, Crews said it’s hard to believe it has been 20 years since she first was hired.
“What stands out to me is her work preparing for various MPA meetings and annual conventions. Like her fellow staff members, all of whom help with meetings and conventions, Kristie’s dedication and hard work have left a lasting legacy at Missouri Press,” Crews said. “And, I have kept several of my name tags, which I’m guessing she helped prepare for MPA gatherings.”
In fact, those name tags are often exclusively prepared by Fortier, with the days leading up to Missouri Press events (or weeks in the case of the convention) seeing her meticulously keeping track of attendee registrations. When it comes time to set up the registration table at said event, she is quick to pull members’ name tags out almost like she has each person’s name and face memorized.
A friend to Missouri Press
Joe May, former publisher of the Mexico Ledger and 2011 MPA president, remembers when Fortier was hired at Missouri Press.
“I was publisher at the Mexico Ledger when Doug Crews hired Kristie,” May said. “My wife, Phyllis, and I have attended many Missouri Press functions in the time since, and at all of those events, Kristie was the first to arrive to run the registration desk and the last to leave at the end of the event.
“She has been a great friend to us and to all of Missouri Press. Phyllis and I will miss her,” May said.
Former Executive Director Mark Maassen, who took over for Crews from 2015-2025 and served as the 2013 president of the MPA Board of Directors while at The Kansas City Star, saw firsthand both sides of Fortier’s dedication to ensuring MPA events go off without a hitch.
“I don’t think you can find a kinder and more patient individual than Kristie,” Maassen said. “When most of our newspapers think of Missouri Press, they think of Kristie. She is the face of this organization and has been the bright light that members encounter when they contact Missouri Press.”
Maassen added that Fortier’s outreach efforts have gone beyond the state’s newspaper industry. “She has been very active in working with other state press associations through NAM [Newspaper Association Managers.] Her experience and knowledge regarding issues that affect the changing landscape of newspapers today is second to none.”
Much of that experience was gained securing speakers and presenters for MPA events over the years. One of MPA’s regular speakers was former Hotline Attorney Jean Maneke, whose services were touted to prospective members as a reason to join the Association.
“Kristie made my life as the hotline attorney so much easier so many times,” Maneke said.
“Kristie did everything she could conceive of that would make my life easier, and all of it done without complaints or needing reminders. She took incredible care of me as a speaker, and she always respected conflicts I had that required juggling other events and managed handouts if I needed that done.
“I could not have done everything I did without her help,” Maneke added. “And, of course, a few times when she thought I needed a drink, she made sure I got one.”
Current MPA Executive Director Chad Stebbins remembers first meeting Fortier at the 2014 Newspaper Hall of Fame banquet. He was there for the induction of Gary and Helen Sosniecki.
“I thought Kristie was one of the most delightful people I had ever met, so friendly and welcoming,” Stebbins said. “More than a decade later, I had the opportunity to work with Kristie on a full-time basis. I quickly realized that her MPA institutional knowledge was a tremendous resource. She seemed to know everyone and everything.”
Crews added that Fortier’s unwavering commitment to MPA through the years combined with her positivity and ability to tackle organizational challenges consistently resulted in exceptional experiences for MPA’s members.
“Her presence will be missed, and I wish her the very best in her new job,” Crews said.
Maassen echoed the sentiment, “Kristie will be missed. I wish her nothing but the best as she embarks on her new opportunity.”
Stebbins said being the face of MPA goes beyond just the registration desk at events and the convention. “She’s also the one most of our members turn to first when they have a question about anything. She provides them information and often brightens their spirits at the same time.”
He said while MPA will be looking for someone to be in charge of member services and meeting planning, “Kristie herself is irreplaceable. To paraphrase the ‘WRKP in Cincinnati’ theme song lyrics, I hope ‘Just maybe she thinks of us once in a while.’”
Looking back on 20 years
Fortier said she never would have imagined that when she accepted the member services and meeting planner position with MPA, that she’d still be sitting in the same purple chair passed down from Lesa Litty (who formerly held the role) two decades later.
“That purple chair and I have seen so many changes, challenges, and unforgettable moments along the way,” Fortier said. “I would not be the person I am today without Missouri Press Association being part of my story.
“I still remember meeting the first president I worked with, the late Steve Oldfield. When I reached out to shake his hand, he wrapped me in a hug and said, ‘Newspaper people hug.’ From moments like that to saying goodbye to one of my favorite people in the world, Kevin Jones, this journey has shaped me in countless ways,” she said.
Fortier said she is honored to have played a part in advancing the state’s newspaper industry. “You’ve shown me the true meaning of community. Our members are the heart of their communities — from hosting events to delivering breaking news — working tirelessly to serve others. It has meant the world to play even a small role in helping make your work easier or at least giving you a chance to step away from your ‘most important role’ to share some laughs, enjoy a drink, and learn from one another.
“I wish I could fully express how much so many of you have meant to me, but that would turn into a book,” Fortier said. “So, I’ll simply say this: my heart will carry a piece of all of you with me, and I am deeply honored to have been part of such an important organization. I may not be a journalist, but you have always treated me as one of your own — and for that, I am truly grateful.”
Fortier said she still plans to be around for Missouri Press events when able, including the 160th Annual Convention and Trade Show in September. “But for now, it’s time to pass along my purple chair. It’s seen a lot over the years, and I’m pretty sure it’s ready for a new story — and maybe a little less Diet Dr Pepper.”
