About Us
The Wisconsin Newspaper Association (WNA) was established in 1853.
Created by and for Wisconsin’s newspapers, the Wisconsin Newspaper Association exists to strengthen the newspaper industry, enhance public understanding of the role of newspapers, and protect basic freedoms of press, speech and the free flow of information.
WNA is the single point-of-contact for newspapers in Wisconsin. In addition to serving our member newspapers, WNA serves advertisers and communications professionals through its advertising placement program and news tracking service.
Supporting WNA goals is the WNA Foundation, a not-for-profit organization created in 1980 to improve the quality and future of Wisconsin’s newspapers and the communities they serve. The foundation solicits, manages and disburses funds and other resources for the benefit of Wisconsin’s newspaper industry and, ultimately, the citizens of our state.
Beth serves as chief lobbyist for the WNA and oversees all association functions, including finances, staffing, member resources and member programming. She also serves as executive director of the WNA’s for-profit media tracking subsidiary, News Tracker, and its 501(c)3 charitable organization, the WNA Foundation.
Beth has a bachelor’s degree in history from St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Ind., and a master’s degree in political studies from the University of Illinois. Her family published four newspapers in central Illinois, resulting in her being personally and professionally involved in the newspaper industry. Prior to joining the WNA in 2010, she served as the Illinois Press Association’s Director of Government Relations, legislative liaison to the Illinois General Assembly Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, and as a staff member of the Illinois Speaker of the House.
Daryl has been the WNA’s office administrator since October 2015 and began working part-time as a search technician for News Tracker in 2014. Prior to joining the WNA staff, Blumer spent 19 years working in niche publication distribution for Capital Newspapers in Madison. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1991.
Denise manages the WNA newspaper archive, WisconsinPublicNotices.org and its media monitoring service, News Tracker. She also oversees all association and foundation events, including the annual WNA convention and the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame Banquet. Additionally, she is responsible for managing the WNA membership database and website.
Denise earned a degree in journalism and mass communications from Kansas State University and a master’s degree in sports administration from the University of Kansas. Before joining the WNA in 2010, she served as the director of technology at the Illinois Press Association, where she was responsible for website maintenance, the association’s member database, office computer systems and audio/visual requirements. Prior to her role at the IPA, Denise worked as an advertising representative and editorial assistant with Illinois Country Living magazine.
Jennerjohn joined the WNA in September 2024 and has over 15 years in the newspaper industry, with stops at The Post-Crescent, The Post & Mail and the Wisconsin State Journal. He has covered the Green Bay Packers, University of Wisconsin, University of Notre Dame and the Indianapolis Colts in addition to a plethora of high school state championships.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Oshkosh and a master’s degree from the University of Iowa.
Amy LaPlante, who worked as an independent contractor with the Wisconsin Newspaper Association since 2022, joined the staff full time in January 2024 as executive administrative associate.
A native of Blanchardville, Wisconsin, LaPlante has a bachelor’s degree in art from UW-Madison and 26 years of hands-on experience working in graphic design and marketing.
Kris is the sales and marketing director for Customized Newspaper Advertising – the sales division of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association – where she oversees the WNA’s print and digital ad networks.
Prior to joining CNA in 2021, she worked in community relations and publisher roles and served as an association executive. She also was previously the communications director for the Iowa Newspaper Association, parent company of Customized Newspaper Advertising.
Chris Mertes joined the Wisconsin Newspaper Association in 2024. He is the editor of the Weekly Briefing, the weekly Member Content and content manager for association’s Social Media pages.
Before joining WNA, Mertes worked as managing editor and a senior reporter for The Star in Sun Prairie. He received the 2024 James J. Reininger Lifetime Achievement Award from the City of Sun Prairie for his role at The Star and service to the community. He currently owns and operates 608 Beacon Enterprises LLC, which creates content for businesses and non-profit organizations, in Sun Prairie, and covers the Middleton Common Council for the Middleton Times-Tribune.
