Meet Our Teams

Executive Team

Bill Cotter

President & CEO
717-703-3076 · billc@pa-news.org

William Cotter is president and CEO of the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association. He leads the organization’s efforts to support our membership through legislative advocacy, expert resources, and industrywide training. Bill’s passion and enthusiasm for the news media industry spans a 35-year career of advertising and sales leadership experiences with Pennsylvania-member organizations.
Bill earned a B.S. degree in communications from Clarion University and is happily married to Jeanne for 36 years. They have three children and four grandchildren. In his free time, Bill likes to work in the garden, golf, fish, and root for his Pittsburgh sports teams.

 

Diane Brinser

Vice President, Finance
717-703-3064 · dianeb@pa-news.org

Diane Brinser is vice president of finance for PNA, PNA Foundation and MANSI Media. She completes all the tasks that lead up to the preparation of the monthly financial reports. In addition, Diane processes payroll and performs internal human resources responsibilities.
Diane earned a B.S. degree in business education from Shippensburg University. In her free time, she enjoys watching her children participate in their various sports and musical activities.

 

Bob Schnarrs

Vice President, Operations
717-703-3059 · bobs@mansimedia.com

Bob Schnarrs is vice president of operations for PNA and MANSI Media. He oversees the daily operations of both organizations, including data research, implementation, fulfillment, and billing for MANSI Media, our leading print and digital advertising placement agency that serves local, regional and national clients. On behalf of the association, he manages our member data and information, and maintains relationships with newspaper publishers and clients across the country.
Bob earned a B.A. degree in economics from Dickinson College and played on the college’s football team. He spends his free time following Penn State and Big Ten field hockey.

 

Melinda Condon

Executive Director, PNA Foundation
717-703-3002 · melindac@pa-news.org

Melinda Condon, CMP, is executive director of the PNA Foundation. The nonprofit foundation provides training and resources to PNA members, coordinates statewide contests, develops the next generation of readers and journalists, and educates the public on the importance of the First Amendment. She previously served as PNA vice president of meetings and contract management.
Melinda earned a B.A. degree in communications from Elizabethtown College. In her free time, she likes to walk, read news, and host parties. Thanks to her husband, Dane, she enjoys three stepdaughters and four stepgrandsons.

 

Barbara Hough Huesken

Director, Legislative Affairs
717-703-3031 · barbarah@pa-news.org

Barbara Hough Huesken is PNA director of legislative affairs. At the Pennsylvania State Capitol, she advocates for legislation that champions the news media industry, the First Amendment, robust local journalism, and transparent and accessible government.
She graduated from Elmhurst University in Illinois with a B.A. degree in political science and attended American University in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining PNA, she was a journalist at LNP | LancasterOnline where she held several reporting and editing positions before becoming executive editor. She is a lover of history, traveling, and anything that has even a remote connection to Major League Baseball.

 

Jane Hungarter

Director, Marketing & Membership
717-703-3041 · janeh@pa-news.org

Jane Hungarter is director of marketing for PNA and MANSI Media. She produces research-based materials that highlight the benefits of news media products, provides member and client training on advertising-related topics, and develops statewide marketing campaigns that educate key stakeholders about the crucial and essential work being done by Pennsylvania news media organizations.
Jane earned a B.A. degree in communications from Susquehanna University and an MBA from West Chester University. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and listening to Bruce Springsteen.

 

Melissa Melewsky

Media Law Counsel
717-703-3048 · melissam@pa-news.org

Melissa Bevan Melewsky is PNA media law counsel. She offers advice and training on legal issues, including open meetings and public records laws; newsgathering and the First Amendment; defamation and invasion of privacy; advertising compliance; independent contractor issues; local government codes; and intellectual property. Melissa advises journalists on open records requests and appeals at all stages of the process and conducts pre-publication reviews of news, editorial and advertising content. She reviews proposed legislation and drafts responsive amendatory language, offers expert testimony during legislative proceedings, and provides the media perspective to lawmakers during all phases of the legislative process. Melissa also represents the print and digital media industries during the administrative regulatory process and in response to proposed court rules, and advocates on behalf of the media industry as amicus curiae in the Pennsylvania appellate courts.
Melissa earned a B.A. degree in telecommunications from The Pennsylvania State University and a J.D. degree from Widener University School of Law. Melissa is admitted to practice before the Pennsylvania state courts and the Middle District Court of Pennsylvania.

 

John Derr

Director, MANSI Media Sales and PNA Strategic Partnerships
717-703-3074 · johnd@mansimedia.com

John Derr is director of MANSI Media Sales and PNA Strategic Partnerships. In this dual capacity, he works to increase revenue and discover new sources of income for member news organizations. John began his newspaper career at Montgomery Media in 1989 and remained there until 2000. From 2000 to 2018, John worked for LNP|LancasterOnline, the last eight years as vice president of sales and marketing. From 2018 until 2023, John was the publisher of the Chestnut Hill Local in Philadelphia.
John earned a B.A. degree in communications from Grove City College in Pennsylvania. In his free time he enjoys rooting for the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia Eagles. He and his wife, Sue, have four children and reside in Lancaster. John is the author of the novel, “Another Christmas Carol,” a modern sequel to the Charles Dickens classic, set in Pennsylvania.

PNA Legal Team

Melissa Melewsky

Media Law Counsel
717-703-3048 · melissam@pa-news.org

Melissa Bevan Melewsky is PNA media law counsel. She offers advice and training on legal issues, including open meetings and public records laws; newsgathering and the First Amendment; defamation and invasion of privacy; advertising compliance; independent contractor issues; local government codes; and intellectual property. Melissa advises journalists on open records requests and appeals at all stages of the process and conducts pre-publication reviews of news, editorial and advertising content. She reviews proposed legislation and drafts responsive amendatory language, offers expert testimony during legislative proceedings, and provides the media perspective to lawmakers during all phases of the legislative process. Melissa also represents the print and digital media industries during the administrative regulatory process and in response to proposed court rules, and advocates on behalf of the media industry as amicus curiae in the Pennsylvania appellate courts.
Melissa earned a B.A. degree in telecommunications from The Pennsylvania State University and a J.D. degree from Widener University School of Law. Melissa is admitted to practice before the Pennsylvania state courts and the Middle District Court of Pennsylvania.

 

Catie Gavenonis

Legislative Counsel
717-703-3082 · catieg@pa-news.org

Catie Gavenonis is the legislative counsel for PNA. She monitors, analyzes, and researches legislation impacting Pennsylvania’s news media organizations. Catie drafts PNA’s amendatory language, assists in developing advocacy strategies, and champions our members’ legislative interests. She also runs our legal intern program, which provides crucial assistance in our advocacy efforts.
Catie earned a B.A. degree in American politics and European history from the University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. degree from Boston University School of Law. In her free time, she enjoys the beach, barre, painting, and spending quality time with her husband and young twins.

 

Barbara Hough Huesken

Director, Legislative Affairs
717-703-3031 · barbarah@pa-news.org

Barbara Hough Huesken is PNA director of legislative affairs. At the Pennsylvania State Capitol, she advocates for legislation that champions the news media industry, the First Amendment, robust local journalism, and transparent and accessible government.
She graduated from Elmhurst University in Illinois with a B.A. degree in political science and attended American University in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining PNA, she was a journalist at LNP | LancasterOnline where she held several reporting and editing positions before becoming executive editor. She is a lover of history, traveling, and anything that has even a remote connection to Major League Baseball.

 

Holly Lubart

Legislative Consultant
717-385-0900 · holly@sunshinestrategies.net

Holly Lubart is a government affairs consultant for PNA and Vice President, Government Affairs, for the News/Media Alliance, which represents over 2,000 diverse news and magazine publishers in the United States. She provides strategic political and communication consulting and assists in the review of legislation, media content, and lobbying services for PNA.
Holly holds a BA degree in Communication/Journalism from Shippensburg University, where she served on the Alumni Board of Directors for two terms, and she started her career as a journalist. Previously, she was VP of Government Affairs for PNA. In addition, she has worked for the PA House of Representatives, served in two gubernatorial administrations, and represented several associations. With over 25 years of experience, she has won awards for her work in Government Affairs/Advocacy, Communications, and Meetings/Events/Education.

 

Paula Knudsen Burke

Legal Consultant
717-370-6884 · pknudsen@rcfp.org

Paula Knudsen Burke is a pro bono attorney who supports PNA members and other journalists. She is the Pennsylvania Local Legal Initiative staff attorney for the Washington, D.C.-based Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. Paula has worked in both the legal and media fields. In 2017, she helped launch The Caucus, a watchdog publication covering state government and politics. She also led the investigations and enterprise team as an editor at LNP Media Group Inc. in Lancaster. Paula previously worked as PNA’s director of government affairs.
A graduate of the Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University, she also received her undergraduate degrees from The Pennsylvania State University, in both journalism and Spanish. Paula is co-chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Bar/Press Committee and a member of the Pennsylvania Freedom of Information Coalition.

 

Felecia Khorram

Legal Intern

Felecia Khorram, PNA’s 2023-2024 legal intern, is a third-year law student graduating from Penn State Dickinson Law School this spring. Felecia earned a B.S. degree in aerospace engineering and a commission as a U.S. Naval officer from the U.S. Naval Academy.
During her time in the Navy, Felecia completed three deployments to the Persian Gulf region, earned her qualification as a Naval nuclear engineer officer, met and married her best friend and life partner, Sam, and visited numerous countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. Today, Felecia and Sam live on the Conodoguinet Creek with their three quirky kitties. Felecia enjoys spending time in her garden, crafting delicious whole foods, plant-based meals, and taking on do-it-yourself home projects and crafts.

PNA Staff

Lisa Strohl

Manager, Media Services
717-703-3062 · lisas@pa-news.org

Lisa Strohl is media services manager for PNA. She designs industry promotional campaigns as well as sales, marketing, and event materials. Lisa is also the staff liaison to the PNA and MANSI boards of directors and the PNA Foundation board of trustees.
Lisa earned a B.A. degree in journalism and political science from The Pennsylvania State University. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and going to the theater (movies and live shows).

 

Chris Hagan

Network Administrator
717-703-3508 · chish@pa-news.org

Chris Hagan is the network administrator for PNA. He manages the information technology infrastructure for the organization.
Chris is a tech enthusiast with over 15 years’ experience, a philomath (a lover of learning), and an enthusiastic problem-solver. In his free time, you will find him reading documentation, enjoying Grand Prix motorcycle racing, delving into genealogy, growing hot peppers, and spending time with friends and family.

MANSI Media Staff

 

John Derr

Director, MANSI Media Sales and PNA Strategic Partnerships
717-703-3074 · johnd@mansimedia.com

John Derr is director of MANSI Media Sales and PNA Strategic Partnerships. In this dual capacity, he works to increase revenue and discover new sources of income for member news organizations. John began his newspaper career at Montgomery Media in 1989 and remained there until 2000. From 2000 to 2018, John worked for LNP|LancasterOnline, the last eight years as vice president of sales and marketing. From 2018 until 2023, John was the publisher of the Chestnut Hill Local in Philadelphia.
John earned a B.A. degree in communications from Grove City College in Pennsylvania. In his free time he enjoys rooting for the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia Eagles. He and his wife, Sue, have four children and reside in Lancaster. John is the author of the novel, “Another Christmas Carol,” a modern sequel to the Charles Dickens classic, set in Pennsylvania.

 

Brian Hitchings

Senior Director of Multimedia Sales
717-703-3049 · brianh@mansimedia.com

Brian Hitchings is a senior multimedia sales specialist for MANSI Media. He works with advertisers, agencies, media buying services, and direct clients to facilitate their print and digital ad placements across Pennsylvania and the entire country.
Brian earned a B.A. degree in economics from Bucknell University. In his free time, he enjoys golf and all things water-related in Ocean City, New Jersey.

 

Aimee Eckley

Senior Digital and Recruitment Specialist
717-703-3021 · aimeee@mansimedia.com

Aimee Eckley is a senior digital and recruitment sales specialist for MANSI Media. With more than 20 years of advertising experience, she maximizes ad budgets and simplifies the buying process for advertisers, agencies, and direct clients for digital ad placements across Pennsylvania and the country.
In her free time, she enjoys kayaking, polar plunges, and spending time with her family.

 

Jack Fardo

Senior Marketing and Recruitment Strategist
412-328-8748 · jackf@mansimedia.com

Jack is a senior marketing and recruitment strategist for MANSI Media. He has extensive sales, recruitment and multimedia marketing experience. Jack works directly with clients and agencies across the country to ensure their campaigns effectiveness.
In his free time, Jack enjoys traveling, spending time with his family and is an avid Pittsburgh sports fan.

 

Nick Wenger

Director of Media Operations
717-703-3047 · nickw@mansimedia.com

Nick Wenger is the director of media operations for MANSI Media. He manages a team of media buyers who place ads across the country while providing a strategic approach to help optimize budgets, negotiate deals, and drive impactful advertising campaigns.
Nick earned a B.A. degree in sports management/business from Coppin State University in Baltimore, Maryland. He spends his free time at the hockey rink playing or coaching his son.

 

Morgan Edge

Digital Media Manager
717-703-3069 · morgane@mansimedia.com

Morgan Edge is the digital media manager for MANSI Media. She strategizes and executes programmatic and site-direct digital media campaigns, and develops strategies that improve brand awareness, engagement, and sales for clients.
Morgan earned a B.A. degree in business marketing/management from The Pennsylvania State University. In her free time, she likes to hike, play sports, and draw.

 

Chris Kazlauskas

Client Relations Consultant
717-703-3025 · chrisk@mansimedia.com

Chris Kazlauskas is a client relations consultant for MANSI Media. He manages print and digital media placements on behalf of MANSI Media’s clients in news media properties across the U.S. With 25-plus years at MANSI, Chris uses his in-depth knowledge of the newspaper industry, along with his strong relationships with news media reps, to provide clients with unparalleled service.
Chris earned a B.A. degree in communications from the University of Scranton. Music is his go-to choice for a relaxing evening at home. If not spending quality time in Harrisburg with family and friends, you can find him traveling and exploring the mid-Atlantic, from the historic bastions of Philly, D.C., and Gettysburg to the great wine vineyards of the New York Finger Lakes region.

 

Shannon Mohar

Client Relations Consultant
717-703-3053 · shannonm@mansimedia.com

Shannon Mohar is a client relations consultant for MANSI Media. She works closely with her clients to ensure the success of their advertising campaigns. Shannon identifies the best media mix to reach the target audience and manages the details of the buy from start to finish.
Shannon earned a B.A. degree in communications from Towson University in Maryland. She enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with family.

 

Gillian Gurney

Graphic Designer
717-703-3068 · spencerw@mansimedia.com

Gillian Gurney is a graphic designer for MANSI Media. She designs advertisements for clients in-house, and develops wireframes for websites to increase UX/UI for potential clients.
Gillian earned a BDES degree in Interactive and Graphic Design from Millersville University. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, Dungeons & Dragons, drawing, and writing stories. She’s working hard to create and illustrate a comic.

 

Trystan Osifat

Media Buyer
717-703-3057 · trystano@mansimedia.com

Trystan Osifat is a media buyer for MANSI Media. He helps clients plan and execute effective advertising campaigns across various media outlets and negotiates with media vendors to secure the best rates and placements to match their needs.
Trystan earned a BSBA degree in marketing from Shippensburg University. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and working in his garden.

 

Joshua Sooy

Media Buyer
717-703-3040 ·  joshs@mansimedia.com

Josh Sooy is a media buyer for MANSI Media. He collects tear sheets and affidavits on behalf of MANSI clients to ensure that all advertising placements were run correctly.
Josh holds a degree in business administration from Central Penn College and is studying for his MBA at Ashland University in Ohio. In his free time, he enjoys kayaking, tubing, reading, spending time with family and friends, and attending concerts.

 

 

Kaitlin Tewell

Media Buyer
717-703-3009 ·  kaitlint@mansimedia.com

Kaitlin Tewell is a media buyer for MANSI Media. She provides publication and market research and negotiates with advertising sales agents to find the most cost-efficient and relevant media space for health care clients across the country.
Kaitlin earned a B.S. degree in graphic design and a B.A. degree in art history from Mansfield University. In her free time, she enjoys painting, photography, and working as a freelance graphic designer.

 

Lauren Witmer

Accounts Receivable Representative
717-703-3060 · laurenw@mansimedia.com

Lauren Witmer is an accounts receivable representative for MANSI Media. He maintains records of all incoming payments, prepares and sends invoices to clients, processes outgoing payments, generates reports as needed, and works collaboratively with accounts payable to ensure accuracy in finance.
Lauren earned a B.S. degree in marketing and management and a minor in human resources from The Pennsylvania State University. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, yoga, and watching football.

 

 

Lisa DiVittore

Accounts Payable Representative
717-703-3026 · lisad@pa-news.org

Lisa DiVittore is an accounts payable representative for MANSI Media. She verifies, classifies, and records accounts payable data, investigates discrepancies, and reconciles vendor accounts and monthly vendor statements.  She also assists PNA by providing press passes to members and updating the association-sponsored Pennsylvania Public Notice website.
Lisa earned a B.S. degree in public policy from The Pennsylvania State University. In her free time, she pursues her avocation as a Reiki Master/Teacher and psychic medium. She also enjoys painting, and spending time at her cabin in the Pocono Mountains.

PNA Foundation Staff

Melinda Condon

Executive Director, PNA Foundation
717-703-3002 · melindac@pa-news.org

Melinda Condon, CMP, is executive director of the PNA Foundation. The nonprofit foundation provides training and resources to PNA members, coordinates statewide contests, develops the next generation of readers and journalists, and educates the public on the importance of the First Amendment. She previously served as PNA vice president of meetings and contract management.
Melinda earned a B.A. degree in communications from Elizabethtown College. In her free time, she likes to walk, read news, and host parties. Thanks to her husband, Dane, she enjoys three stepdaughters and four stepgrandsons.

 

Teresa Shaak

Manager, Foundation Projects
717-703-3003 · teresas@pa-news.org

Teresa Shaak is manager of foundation projects for the PNA Foundation. She coordinates all foundation contests, student projects, training, events and fundraising. Teresa is also the staff liaison to the Pennsylvania News Leaders Association and assists with PNA legislative affairs initiatives and many other PNA projects.
In her free time, Teresa enjoys reading, watching sports, practicing yoga, spending quality time with her beloved dog, and visiting her daughter, son-in-law, grandson, and grandpuppy in western Pennsylvania.