Josh O'Connor named CEO of Wick Communications

Josh O'Connor, an innovative newspaper executive who currently serves as a Senior Vice President and Regional Publisher of Carpenter Media, has been named the next CEO of Wick Communications.

O'Connor will join Wick in early February, the family-owned company announced Friday.

“The team at Wick is talented and innovative, and together I am looking forward to shaping the future of Wick Communications for generations to come,” O’Connor said. “I'd like to express my sincere gratitude to the family and Wick Communications’ board of directors.”

As CEO, O’Connor will be focused on driving revenue and innovation, while furthering the company’s community mission, he said. Now approaching its 100th birthday, Wick operates community news publications, digital advertising agencies and local events in 10 states.

“It’s an exciting time in community news media. We are experiencing the most transformative period in our history — growing and delivering award-winning journalism in innovative ways,” he said. “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.”

O'Connor previously served as the co-Chief Operating Officer of Black Press since 2021, overseeing community publishing divisions in Washington, Alaska, British Columbia and Alberta. He was previously president of Sound Publishing and publisher of the (Everett) Daily Herald, both in Washington state.

During his tenure, O’Connor launched several successful advertising and audience development initiatives, developed an innovative philanthropic funding model, oversaw multiple divisional operations and guided the company through numerous acquisitions and expansions.

Outgoing CEO Francis Wick, who will continue to run the company until O'Connor’s arrival, said O'Connor is the right person to lead Wick Communications’ next chapter

“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.”

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

“As I move into a new chapter in my life, I do so knowing that Wick will be led by a leader of great experience, capabilities and resilience to navigate the current challenges of our industry,” he said. 

The search for a new chief executive began shortly after Wick announced his departure. The process yielded a strong pool of candidates, but O’Connor stood out for his forward-thinking vision and operational expertise, Board Chairman John Romney said.

“We welcome Josh O’Connor as the new CEO of Wick Communications. His proven leadership and operational skills will be critical as we steward the Wick media operations for years to come,” Romney said. “The shareholders of Wick are committed to our media operations, notwithstanding the challenging industry dynamics. We value our subscribers and our advertising partners, and we have incredible employees, operators, journalists and publishers in our organization. The 98-year legacy of Wick is in strong hands, and will be greatly enhanced by Josh’s leadership.”