John Shank Email and Phone Number

Directing all operations and establishing policy for News Media Corporation, including oversight of 10 group publishers and more than 250 employees in eight states who produce over 60 print and digital publications with more than $17 million in annual revenue. Managing the entire budgeting process, execution/analysis of P & L reporting and cash management strategies.• Through major budget control initiatives and effective cash management oversight during 18-month tenure as NMC COO, eliminated more than $1.5 million of inherited past due payables.• Successfully navigated the company and directed cash management through extremely challenging times in FY2020 with a combination of major across-the-board cost control initiatives, introducing new revenue opportunities in the face of Covid losses, and facilitating collaborative staff efforts that resulted in a 29% cash flow improvement over FY 2019.• Executed and capitalized on sale of multiple real estate assets, while also consolidating several operations and renegotiating service agreements to reduce overall expenses.• Led initiative to upgrade several press operations to improve quality, increase productivity and expand commercial printing opportunities, while also facilitating transition from antiquated accounting system to new top-rated cloud-based model to increase efficiency and reduce man hours.

Member of the Leadership Team reporting directly to the President. Managed 13 operations and 18 profit centers in four states with over $8.9 million combined revenue in 2017.• Interview, hire, and direct multiple publishers/managers in Illinois, Arizona, California, and Wyoming who manage more than 100 employees and private contractors.• Realized a combined 3.5% cash profit gain in FY 2018 over previous year by executing across-the-board cost control initiatives.• Achieved 24% cash profit increase in Illinois group over a four-year period, maintaining an average cash flow of 29% through FY2017.• Captured $339,127 cash profit in Arizona operation from 2010–2013.• Improved California cash flow 74% in FY 2018 by leading major expense reduction initiatives.• Led Illinois press facility expansion in 2013 and installation of Computer-to-Plate technology.

Manage business operations and annual P&L to provide high quality content while maximizing revenue and profit. Review and approve all annual operating revenue and expense budgets. Direct billing and collections, circulation, promotions, and subscriber retention.• Train and manage more than 65 employees and private contractors at six Illinois operations.• Increased digital sales 48% from 2013 to 2018.• Cut group expenses 2.3% with consolidation of production/distribution into Rochelle facility.• Realized 11.8% annual expense reduction at Rochelle operation from 2013 to 2017.• Increased News-Leader (N-L) subscriptions 11% after executing revenue sharing circulation promotion in 2013 with non-profit group.• Created trip giveaway circulation promotion in 2010 that saw a 7% increase in N-L subscriptions.• Captured $132,704 expense savings by consolidating management and eliminating duplicated positions in 2009.• Guide editors on print content, layout standards, and digital news and social media strategies.

Maintained responsibility for all operations and profit of Ogle County Life while managing the editorial, circulation, and distribution departments of Rochelle News-Leader.• Served as editor for both publications, directing administrative activities, copy editing, and proofreading while continuing to handle news coverage, contributing articles, and features.• Oversaw production to meet the scheduled timing deadlines to disseminate the published copies.• Trained department managers on techniques to motivate, inspire, and develop their employees. • Led editorial and production software conversion to Creative Suite pagination program.