Eden Prairie Local News Announces Leadership Changes
The nonprofit news organization held its annual meeting to confirm new board members and staff promotions.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in People
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Eden Prairie Local News held its annual meeting on October 19, 2026, at the Eden Prairie City Center to announce significant transitions in its leadership team. The organization confirmed both board-level departures and new internal staff appointments.
Why it matters
These leadership updates follow the recent retirement of long-time CEO and publisher Mark H. Weber, reflecting the organization's ongoing transition as it prepares for future coverage.
The newly appointed board members, Jim Bayer and Stu Oftelie, have both been residents of Eden Prairie for over 30 years and will serve three-year terms. The organization continues to fund its operations through advertising, sponsorships, and donation matching.
The players
Carol Bomben
She serves as the incoming board chair for Eden Prairie Local News.
Mark H. Weber
He is the former CEO and publisher of Eden Prairie Local News who retired in August 2026.
Stuart Sudak
He was promoted to the position of executive director in September 2026.
Joanna Werch Takes
She was promoted to the role of general manager in September 2026.
Jim Bayer
A long-term Eden Prairie resident who joined the board of directors.
The details
Carol Bomben succeeds Nancy Tyra-Lukens as board chair, while Jim Bayer and Stu Oftelie join the board of directors following the departures of Ben Hymans and Kelly Salwei. Additionally, Stuart Sudak and Joanna Werch Takes assumed the roles of executive director and general manager, respectively, in September 2026.
Timeline
The Eden Prairie Local News was founded in 2020.
CEO and publisher Steve Schewe resigned in September 2025.
Mark H. Weber retired from the CEO role on August 31, 2026.
The annual meeting took place on October 19, 2026.
Election Day is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Market Landscape
This restructuring reflects the broader industry transition toward non-profit models that rely on community engagement rather than traditional commercial media structures. By diversifying board and executive leadership, the organization aims to solidify its standing as a primary information source.
Residents can expect the news organization to maintain its operational focus through its established funding channels. These changes ensure the continuity of local reporting ahead of the upcoming election cycle.
The takeaway
Maintaining steady leadership during organizational transitions is essential for local outlets to preserve community trust. Residents should monitor upcoming coverage to understand how these personnel changes influence future news priorities.
What happens next
The organization is scheduled to continue its local election coverage through Election Day on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local leadership, see Eden Prairie People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Eden Prairie Local News.
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