Research Reports

Key takeaways

Nathan E. Bekke appointed President and CEO effective April 23, 2026, after serving as interim since February 5, 2026.

Joshua P. Rinehults appointed VP, CFO and Treasurer effective April 23, 2026, after interim role since February 2, 2026.

Bekke's compensation: $700,000 base salary, 100% target bonus (50% cash, 50% RSAs).

Rinehults' compensation: $450,000 base salary, 50% target bonus (50% cash, 50% RSAs).

Bekke joined in 1988 with over 30 years service; Rinehults joined via 2020 acquisition with prior finance roles.

Board Chairman states leadership positions company for long-term growth and shareholder value.

Full analysis

The appointments of Nathan E. Bekke and Joshua P. Rinehults to permanent CEO and CFO roles, respectively, on April 23, 2026, follow their successful interim tenures since early February 2026, coinciding with a strategic investment closing. Bekke's 38-year tenure, including COO since 2025, provides deep operational continuity, while Rinehults brings extensive finance experience from Lee, BH Media Group, Media General, and Ernst & Young. Compensation packages, approved by the Executive Compensation Committee without formal agreements, include competitive base salaries of $700,000 for Bekke and $450,000 for Rinehults, with bonus targets tied half to cash and half to RSAs under the equity plan. Long-term equity awards are pending. Board Chairman David Hoffmann highlighted their leadership in executing priorities and positioning for growth, signaling internal promotion over external search as optimal for shareholder value, core business strengthening, and community commitments.

LEE · Lee Enterprises, Incorporated

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Key takeaways

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