Justin Lessman Will Lead Minnesota Newspaper Association

The Minnesota Newspaper Association board has selected Justin Lessman to replace retiring executive director Lisa Hills.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration showing a single, heavy industrial printing press cylinder in muted teal and cream, representing organizational leadership. — The Minnesota Newspaper Association has appointed Justin Lessman to serve as executive director, succeeding the retiring Lisa Hills effective January 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Justin Lessman is set to become the next executive director of the Minnesota Newspaper Association and Minnesota News Media Institute. This leadership change will take effect when current executive director Lisa Hills retires on January 31, 2027.

Why it matters

The transition marks a significant change in leadership for the organizations as they prepare to move forward without a veteran head. It concludes a long-standing tenure that has shaped the professional landscape for newspapers across Minnesota.

Lisa Hills has served as the executive director for 20 years and has contributed to the association for nearly four decades. Her retirement follows a career spanning roughly 40 years of involvement with the Minnesota Newspaper Association.

The players

Justin Lessman

He is the incoming executive director of the Minnesota Newspaper Association and Minnesota News Media Institute.

Lisa Hills

She is the outgoing executive director who has led the organization for 20 years and spent nearly four decades with the association.

The details

The board of the Minnesota Newspaper Association and the Minnesota News Media Institute selected Justin Lessman to succeed Lisa Hills. Lessman will take over the primary leadership responsibilities for both organizations following the transition period.

Lisa Hills will retire as executive director on January 31, 2027.

Market Landscape

This transition marks the end of a two-decade era defined by the 20-year tenure of Lisa Hills at the organization. The move signals a shift in management strategy for the state's news media advocacy groups as they adjust to new oversight.

Members and stakeholders of the Minnesota Newspaper Association should prepare for a transition in administrative leadership. The change ensures the continued operation of the Minnesota News Media Institute under new management.

The takeaway

Leadership successions allow organizations to integrate fresh perspectives while maintaining institutional knowledge. Clear transition timelines help ensure stability for the members and staff served by professional associations.