JJ Francais

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Industry Experience: 11 Tenure with Hilliary: 3

As Director of Special Projects, JJ manages, coordinates, and oversees projects for Hilliary Communications and subsidiaries and serves as Associate Publisher for both The Chronicle and The Southwest Ledger, which are Hilliary-owned weekly newspapers.

JJ’s tasks include general supervision of numerous company projects from their conception to completion. More specifically, he is responsible for maintaining network affiliate marketing contacts and coordinating cross promotions and other marketing efforts. In addition, JJ manages external relations, including coordinating sponsorships, booking fairs and festivals, and attending community events. He also manages the marketing of services via print, online, social media and community events.

As Associate Publisher, JJ oversees the business operations of both The Chronicle, a weekly local community newspaper, and The Southwest Ledger, a weekly newspaper covering business and politics across seven counties in southwest Oklahoma. He recruits, manages, and trains the editorial and sales staff; writes a weekly editorial; and provides coverage in the newsroom when needed.

Prior to joining Hilliary, JJ worked in both the commercial and non-profit sectors, allowing him to foster a strong aptitude for community relations and project management. His previous positions include Community News Editor of a weekly newspaper and various roles in nonprofits.

In his spare time JJ enjoys hosting webinars for the National Newspaper Association and spending time with his family.  He is also an avid photographer.