National Sales Team

SUE BORTHWICK – VICE-PRESIDENT, NATIONAL SALES

Sue Borthwick began her newspaper career in England, working with one of the major daily newspaper chains and extended her portfolio to include community newspapers and specialized publications.

Sue has many years experience in the advertising industry and has been in Canada since 1996, working with the Black Press group of newspapers in B.C. Sue works with local, national and agency accounts and assists in developing marketing and business strategies for major accounts.

With a strong knowledge of the B.C. markets and experience in ROP advertising, flyer and sample distribution and online, Sue can assist with all your business and marketing needs.

Contact our office at any time for information on any of our publications and let us demonstrate the proven effectiveness of choosing Black Press newspapers to deliver your advertising message.

Connect: 1-604-575-5814 Email Sue Borthwick Connect on LinkedIn

OLIVER SOMMER – NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF CATEGORY DEVELOPMENT

From his early roots at one of Vancouver’s leading independent community newspapers through to his tenure at the Globe and Mail, Lethbridge Herald and multiple national advertising agencies Oliver brings a deep appreciation of connecting marketing goals to audience solutions.

In 2007 Oliver joined Black Press as Publisher of the Peninsula News Review and in 2009 was promoted to Director of Advertising for Greater Victoria’s six community newspapers, websites and multiple magazines. In 2014 he was promoted to Associate Group Publisher for the region and added the Publishers role for the Saanich News in 2015. In 2018 he joined the National Sales Team to develop multimedia solutions for the region, province and countries most recognized brands.

Together with a Diploma in Business Advertising, Oliver has completed multiple leadership and sales courses including the Thompson Rivers University Leadership Certificate in 2013. Always an active member of the community, he has served on various boards including the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Victoria and most recently as President of the Family Business Association Vancouver Island.

Connect: 1-604-575-5314 Email Oliver Sommer

SANDY SHORT – NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER

Sandy started her career in the newspaper industry, working for both daily and community papers initially in Alberta, then moving to BC, before shifting into a sales role in printing and fundraising.

Most recently, she spent a decade working client side developing focused media plans across diverse consumer markets as Director of Marketing for a national franchise organization. She brings experience in both print and digital advertising to her role as National Account Manager.

An experienced media strategist and buyer, Sandy has an in-depth understanding of the value community newspapers deliver across multiple platforms to drive business growth and consumer recognition. With a results focused and tactical approach, she will help you build an advertising plan that meets your marketing performance objectives. Sandy has the talent of thinking outside the box and together with her creative ability will find solutions that will drive revenue.

Connect: 1-604-575-5828 Email Sandy Short

TOM SHIPMAN – NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER

Tom has a very diverse background in the media/marketing industry. He started On Air in radio in Montreal and Vancouver, then transitioned to become an Account Director at BBDO and TBWA, managing the retail business for the Chrysler and Nissan Dealer Associations respectively.

He has spent the last 12 years in Sales Management in Newspaper, Radio, Television and Digital.
Tom has an enormous amount of passion for community and his experience in the various multi media channels will be a huge asset to assisting businesses with their long terms goals and return on investment.

Tom is on the NABS National Board of Directors, and has also been Chair of the NABS West Board for nine years.

Connect: 1-604-362-0305 Email Tom Shipman

KELLY MYERS – NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER

Kelly brings a wealth of sales and marketing knowledge to her role with over 23 years of direct advertising sales experience. Kelly’s in-depth and diverse community media knowledge, ability to analyze consumer data and trends and proven track record of delivering creative client-focused solutions will help you build a multi-media plan that will deliver results and increase consumer recognition of your brand.

Throughout her 18 years at Black Press Kelly has shown an unwavering passion for community media and a keen ability to foster and develop long-term relationships built on trust. Kelly’s track record for delivering creative client focused solutions and a collaborative approach has delivered long-term success to businesses across diverse consumer markets.

Kelly is an avid believer in giving back through volunteerism and fundraising and has sat on numerous boards and fundraising committees focused on improving the lives and well being of families. In her spare Kelly devotes her time on family, travel and has a passion for cooking.

Connect: 1-604-575-5806 Email Kelly Myers

JANET FITZGERALD – SENIOR AD CONTROLLER

Janet Fitzgerald has been part of the Black Press Group of newspapers since 1984, working in a range of departments from bindery to sales.

Since 1991, Janet has been an integral part of our National Sales team and in her current role as Senior Ad Controller, she oversees the processing of National ads and flyer bookings, ad material flow and flyer distribution into more than 90 publications province-wide. She also manages our specialty distribution service of door hangers and sample deliveries.

Janet is front-line sales support for many of our National accounts and is the central contact for keeping information up to date within our company.

Janet’s extensive knowledge of the newspaper industry and all Black Press publications is an asset to both our company and especially our clients.

Connect: 1-604-575-5805 Email Janet Fitzgerald

JULIA KRETSCH – AD CONTROL

Julia Kretsch has been with Black Press since 2007. She started out at the North Shore Outlook before moving to the National Sales office in the spring of 2011.

Her current role in National is both National Ad Control and Digital Trafficker. In these roles she offers sales support to national accounts, coordinates advertising and flyer distribution, while also scheduling and managing digital campaigns.

Connect: 1-604-575-5807 Email Julia Chmelyk

YOLANDA CHMELYK – AD CONTROL

Yolanda Chmelyk has been with Black Press since 1987. She started her career at the Surrey Leader as a Classified Sales Representative and through hard work and determination became the Classified Manager. In 1995 she accepted a position with the Langley Times as a Classified Manager and continued in that role until her move back to Surrey in 2006.

In 2015 Yolanda joined the National Sales department Ad Control team and her wealth of knowledge and tremendous customer service skills enable her to work with national clients in a support role, coordinating advertising and flyers across all papers in BC and Alberta.

Connect: 1-604-575-5808 Email Yolanda Chmelyk

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