After 12 years of remarkable leadership as CEO, Lisa DeSisto has announced her decision to step down from her role at the Maine Trust for Local News.
During her tenure, DeSisto led the business through two ownership transitions and two acquisitions. She managed the first digital transformation of Maine’s newspapers with the onboarding of digital subscriptions and the creation of digital only Mondays. Her commitment to Maine and its local news has been proven repeatedly by her stewardship of our newspapers and the communities they serve.
“I have cherished my time leading this organization and working alongside such dedicated and talented colleagues,” said DeSisto. “Serving our readers and supporting this incredible team has been a privilege. Representing the Maine Trust for Local News in the community has been an honor I will carry with me."
To ensure a seamless transition, DeSisto will work closely with the senior leadership team and Maine Trust Board Chair Mark Stodder through the end of the year.
Stefanie Manning, a longtime executive with the Maine Trust, has assumed the new position of managing director. Manning has worked at the Maine Trust for Local News for over 11 years. She successfully led the organization’s $25 million consumer revenue business for a decade and most recently served as chief of staff during a transformative year for the business. Prior to her tenure with the Trust, Manning held senior roles at Hearst’s Oprah Magazine, Businessweek and The Washington Post’s Newsweek.
“I’m excited and honored to take the baton from Lisa and begin this new leadership role at the Maine Trust,” said Manning. “Our vision is to reinvent our revenue model, reinvigorate our journalism, and reconnect with the communities we serve to become Maine’s indispensable source for local news.”
Manning is deeply rooted in her Maine community. She is the former president of the Press Herald Toy Fund, a trustee of the Portland Public Library, and an outgoing board member of the Local Media Consortium. As the co-owner of the Miss Portland Diner and Portland’s iconic Harvest on the Harbor food festival, Manning is a dynamic leader and committed supporter of local culture. She resides in Cape Elizabeth with her husband and three daughters.
Board Chair Mark Stodder, a seasoned newspaper executive and technology entrepreneur, will also play a critical hands-on role during this period of change, supporting Manning in her new capacity.
“This is a time of transformation for the Maine Trust for Local News,” said Stodder. “Lisa is leaving us with an invaluable legacy, and paired with Stefanie’s leadership and vision, we are well positioned to navigate the challenges ahead and continue our mission of protecting local journalism.”
“I extend my deepest gratitude to Lisa for her extraordinary leadership and service. She leaves an indelible mark on the Maine Trust and the communities it serves,” said Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro, CEO of the National Trust for Local News. “With Stefanie stepping into this new role, I am confident the Maine Trust will thrive, grow, and continue to deliver the news and stories that matter to Maine.”
This leadership transition comes during a period of evolution for the Maine Trust. Last month, Executive Editor Carolyn Fox unveiled a wide array of newsroom changes aimed at aligning our organization to digital and audience growth. As the Trust heads into 2025 and addresses evolving challenges, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to providing useful, engaging, and enriching local news for Maine.
About the Maine Trust for Local News:
The Maine Trust for Local News is the largest independent community-based media company in Maine. We strive to strengthen and sustain local journalism throughout the state. Our work is created by editors, reporters and photographers who are part of and care about your local community. The Maine Trust for Local News is a subsidiary of the National Trust for Local News, a non-profit newspaper company committed to conserving and operating vibrant, sustainable local news enterprises around the country. Support through subscriptions, marketing partnerships, and/or donations is valued and appreciated. To learn more, visit metln.org.
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