Reed Anfinson
Editor/Publisher, Swift County Monitor-News

Reed Anfinson has served on the legislative committee and board of directors for the Minnesota Newspaper Association, an organization for which he has also served as president. In addition to his work with the Swift County Monitor-News and the News Council, Reed also serves on the National Newspaper Association Board of Directors representing Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Carolyn Brookter
Former Director of Media Relations, Target Corporation

Tony Carideo
President, The Carideo Group

Prior to starting his own firm, The Carideo Group Inc., Tony Carideo was a senior vice president in the Investor Relations practice at Padilla Speer Beardsley Inc. In addition to his work in the business world, Tony spent many years as a columnist and reporter for the Star Tribune and with the Milwaukee Journal reporting a variety of beat assignments and investigative projects.

Dick Conklin
Former Associate Vice President for University Relations, University of Notre Dame

Dick Conklin joined the public relations staff at the University of Notre Dame in 1967 and retired in 2001 as associate vice president for university relations. He was also a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Minneapolis Star before teaching journalism and running the news bureau at the College of St. Thomas

Nancy Conner
Director of Publications & Media Relations, Minnesota State Colleges & Universities

Nancy Conner serves as director of media relations and publications for Public Affairs in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. She joined the system after 25 years in journalism, including about 15 years with the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

John Finnegan
Former Editor, St. Paul Pioneer Press

John Finnegan is a former executive editor and assistant publisher of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He is a past president of the Minnesota Newspaper Association and past president of the Newspaper Guild of the Twin Cities. He is currently chairman emeritus of the News Council and president of the Minnesota Joint Media Committee.

Thom Fladung
Editor/Vice President, St. Paul Pioneer Press

Thom Fladung became editor of the St. Paul Pioneer Press in September 2005. Prior to that, Thom had been managing editor of the Detroit Free Press since November 2002. He also has worked for several other newspapers, including as managing editor of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Ron Graham
Former President, Better Business Bureau of Minnesota & North Dakota

Larry Kuusisto, Ph.D.
Vice President, Alley Institute, LifeScience Alley

Larry Kuusisto is vice president of Education for LifeScience Alley in addition to serving as executive director of Alley Institute, its non-profit research and education affiliate. Larry has served as a member of the Hearing Board of the News Council for six years and its president from 2003-2004.

Karen Runyon
Forensic Document Examiner (private practice)

Karen Runyon has served as a forensic science expert for thirty years, specializing in the examination of documents. Through her work, Karen has been involved with federal, state and local government laboratories.

John Stone
Editor, Starbuck Times