Lee Names Katie Ripa Central Nebraska Ad Director
Ripa, a marketing veteran from Lincoln agency KidGlov, will lead advertising sales operations for the region.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in People
Lee Enterprises has named Katie Ripa advertising director for central Nebraska. Ripa joins from Lincoln-based advertising agency KidGlov, where she served as vice president and account director.
Why it matters
The appointment places a marketing executive with nearly 25 years of experience in charge of advertising sales in the region. Her role centers on expanding Amplified Digital's agency services and growing Lee's owned-and-operated digital products.
Ripa brings nearly 25 years of experience in marketing, brand strategy, business development and integrated communications. The announcement does not disclose the size of the advertising team or the revenue targets tied to the role.
The players
Lee Enterprises
Lee Enterprises is a publicly traded newspaper and digital media company that owns the Lincoln Journal Star and other regional publications across the United States.
Katie Ripa
Katie Ripa is a Lincoln-based marketing executive with nearly 25 years of experience in brand strategy and integrated communications.
Ava Thomas
Ava Thomas is the regional vice president of Lee Enterprises and serves as president of the Lincoln Journal Star.
The details
Ripa previously led brand management and marketing strategy for Exmark Manufacturing and BVH Architecture before joining KidGlov. She was inducted into the American Marketing Association's Hall of Fame and recognized among the Lincoln Journal Star's 20 Under 40, and has held leadership roles with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln's Young Professionals Group and the Lincoln American Marketing Association.
Timeline
October 2026: Journal Star top photos and videos published for the month.
November 8, 2026: Lee Enterprises names Katie Ripa advertising director for central Nebraska.
Track Record
The hire builds on Lee's push to sell digital marketing services through Amplified Digital alongside traditional print and online advertising across its Nebraska properties.
Advertisers in central Nebraska will now work with a new point of contact for Lee's advertising sales and digital agency services. The appointment changes who businesses in the region call to buy print, online and digital marketing from Lee's properties.
The takeaway
Businesses buying advertising in central Nebraska should confirm their account contacts as Lee's sales team changes leadership. Local marketers can track how Lee's digital agency offerings evolve under the new structure.
Further reading
For more on leadership moves in the state's business community, see Nebraska business people news.
Source note: This article includes information reported by JournalStar.
