There’s a new publisher at the Idaho Statesman. The paper’s leader comes to the Gem State following a stint with the nation’s biggest newspaper publisher, Gannett.
Rebecca Poynter was tapped by McClatchy – the company that owns the Statesman – to lead Idaho’s paper of record.
Poynter comes to the leadership role following years working for newspapers in Michigan. Most recently, Poynter oversaw several papers in that state, including Lansing’s State Journal and publications in Battle Creek and Port Huron. Before leaving the State Journal, she supervised coverage of the sexual abuse scandal at Michigan State involving former gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.
Poynter tells her new paper it’s her diverse background working at a range of publications that will be an asset in her role as publisher. She says her mission is to help the Statesman grow and develop the things it’s already good at. She takes the reins from former publisher Debra Leithauser who left the Statesman in December.
A born and raised Kentuckian, Poynter holds a journalism degree from the University of Kentucky. She’s previously worked for USA Today, Army Times and Coca-Cola.
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