In the bustling world of journalism, reporters and editors often claim the spotlight, but the backbone of every news organization lies behind the scenes — in operations. These are the professionals who keep the presses running, the distribution routes moving and the audience connections alive.
On Sept. 25, the International Newspaper Group (ING), in partnership with E&P Magazine, Carrier Track Technologies (CTT) and American Newspaper Services (ANS), honored those hidden heroes at the annual Operations All-Star Awards during the ING Conference in Indianapolis.
Hosted at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Indiana Pacers, the one-day conference gathered operations leaders, executives and innovators from across the industry. The highlight was the All-Star Awards ceremony, where three first-place winners and three runner-ups were celebrated for their extraordinary contributions to the field.
Shining a spotlight on operations excellence
The Operations All-Star Awards recognize the men and women who go far beyond the technical mechanics of news publishing. These are not simply press operators or delivery managers; they are problem-solvers, innovators and leaders who bring creativity to their work while keeping the core mission of journalism alive.
First-place winners were awarded $2,000 cash prizes and an all-expenses-paid trip to Indianapolis, sponsored by ING, imPRESSions Worldwide and CellMark. Runner-ups each received $1,000 prizes. Winners were honored live on stage by Mike Blinder, publisher of E&P Magazine, alongside Brian Karnick, senior vice president of manufacturing at Tribune Publishing and an ING board member.
“These awards aren’t just about recognizing good work,” Blinder told the audience. “They’re about shining a light on the individuals who keep our industry viable. Operations teams often don’t get the headlines, but they deserve every bit of recognition. Without them, the journalism we celebrate wouldn’t reach our readers.”
The 2025 Operations All-Star winners
This year’s honorees showcased the diverse talents and dedication found across the industry, from distribution logistics to pressroom maintenance to electrical expertise at one of the nation's largest newspapers.
Distribution All-Star: Kolby Jensen, circulation logistics manager, The Spokesman-Review
Nominated by Senior Director of Audience and Consumer Revenue Tyler Pisani, Jensen represents the next generation of operational leadership. At The Spokesman-Review, he has streamlined distribution workflows, improved delivery accuracy and built a culture of accountability that inspires his team.
“Kolby is the kind of leader who doesn’t just solve problems; he anticipates them,” Pisani said in his nomination. “He ensures readers get their newspapers on time, no matter what, and he teaches others to rise to that standard. He’s a true All-Star.”
Small Market All-Star: Devin Cavasso, maintenance supervisor, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Cavasso’s story is one of resilience and lifelong learning. He began with the Review-Journal in 1988 as a press maintenance worker, knowing nothing about the complex machinery that drives a daily newspaper. Over the decades, he became a self-taught expert, a mentor and the go-to person when problems arise.
Nominated by Janet Owen, vice president of operations at the Review-Journal, Cavasso is described as “a sponge” for knowledge, someone who will never stop until a problem is solved — and who takes the time to teach others along the way.
“Devin embodies what makes operations the beating heart of news publishing,” Owen said. “He’s dedicated, innovative and passionate about keeping our presses running no matter the challenge.”
Large Market All-Star: Alan Brewer, electrician, Chicago Tribune
Alan Brewer’s work at the Chicago Tribune has made him an indispensable figure in one of the nation’s largest and most complex newspaper operations. Nominated by Catherine Holt-Gulley, senior packaging operations manager at the Tribune, Brewer is celebrated not only for his technical expertise but also for his calm, steady leadership in high-pressure situations.
“Alan keeps our operation humming,” Holt-Gulley wrote in her nomination. “When something goes wrong — and in a facility as large as ours, it inevitably does — Alan is there to diagnose it, fix it and make sure the team learns from it. He’s an unsung hero who deserves recognition.”
The bigger picture: Elevating operations across the industry
The Operations All-Star Awards serve as more than a moment of recognition; they are part of a larger mission to elevate the profile of operations within the publishing ecosystem. For decades, operations staff have been the “invisible engine” of journalism, rarely recognized outside their own organizations. By highlighting these leaders at a national conference, ING and E&P aim to inspire both current and future generations.
Mike Blinder summed it up in his closing remarks: “These winners remind us that excellence in journalism isn’t just about storytelling; it’s also about the infrastructure, the innovation and the persistence that make storytelling possible. Every publisher in this room should go home thinking: Who is my All-Star, and how can I celebrate them?”
Looking ahead
As the 2025 ING conference wrapped up, attendees left Indianapolis with more than just business cards and session notes. They left inspired by the stories of Kolby Jensen, Devin Cavasso and Alan Brewer — three professionals whose commitment to excellence proves that the heart of journalism beats strongest in operations.
For ING and E&P, the mission continues: to honor, elevate and empower the professionals who keep presses rolling, papers delivered and communities informed. And for the rest of the industry, the message is clear: it’s time to look behind the headlines and recognize the All-Stars who make journalism possible every single day.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here