Beth Bennett Email & Phone Number

34 Schroeder Court, Suite 220, Madison, Wi 53703

I serve as the executive director of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association (WNA). The WNA is a trade association representing more than 230 weekly and daily newspapers in Wisconsin. I also serve as executive director of the WNA Services (WNA wholly owned for-profit subsidiary); WNA Foundation (a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation); Wisconsin News Tracker (full service media monitoring service); and Wisconsin Public Notices (free searchable access to all public notices printed in Wisconsin newspapers).

Springfield, Illinois

As the Director of Government Relations for the Illinois Press Association (IPA) I was responsible for representing IPA members in a wide range of matters that impact the newspaper industry. Some of the most commonly addressed topics were: open meetings, freedom of information, first amendment, employment law, advertising law, environmental law, tax law, postal regulation, and law regulating the publication of public notice.As the chief lobbyist for the IPA I worked on a myriad of legislative and legal issues affecting the newsgathering and business concerns of newspapers. Management experience included all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the Illinois Press Association. My involvement in the various services offered by the IPA included: member services, member education, clipping bureau, as well as, the foundation and first amendment center.Illinois Sunshine Chair for the Society of Professional Journalists.

Illinois General Assembly, Springfield, Illinois

Responsible for the overall implementation of JCAR’s yearly legislative agenda. Staff liaison to all state departments and constitutional offices.

Bachelor'S Degree, History

Masters Of Arts, Political Studies

Activities and Societies: Graduate assistant for the Illinois Legislative Studies Center Research assistant to the late Dr. David Everson.