The Juneau Empire will welcome a new advertising director beginning after Labor Day.
Stephanie Spiess will step into the vacancy, helping the Empire to get back to full strength after a series of departures from the newspaper.
“I love sales. I think it’s going to be great. I’ve got a whole bunch of ideas, ideas that have worked for other markets,” Spiess said. “Being organized is one of my biggest things. It keeps things going.”
Spiess has worked in papers in Ohio and Montana, and is currently working as the publisher of the Argus Observer in Ontario, Oregon.
Born in Portsmouth, Ohio, Spiess said she and her family are excited to come to Alaska.
[We’re on track for our wettest summer ever]
“For some reason, I’ve always had a fascination with Alaska, since I was a little kid,” Spiess said. “This opportunity to visit Alaska, to live there, is through the roof for me. It’s just such a beautiful place.”
Spiess is expected to begin Sept. 8. Her addition is welcomed by the Empire’s current staff.
“I’m always glad to see the Empire team grow, especially when it means adding such an accomplished professional to the paper,” said Empire editor Ben Hohenstatt in an email.
An avid fan of Ohio sports teams, Spiess comes to Juneau with her husband and four sons. She said that they’re all looking forward to the move and can’t wait to be in Alaska.
“They are ecstatic,” Spiess said. “If they could, they’d move tomorrow.”
Josh O’Connor, president of Sound Publishing, which owns the Empire, is also pleased to have Spiess at the Empire.
“Stephanie’s reputation in the media industry is stellar, and her experience on the print and digital side of our business will help shape our future,” O’Connor said in an email. “Local businesses in Southeast Alaska will appreciate her passion, creativity and superior digital knowledge.”
• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or lockett@juneauempire.com.
