Michael Wnek has been named the new publisher of the Leelanau Enterprise.
Wnek, whose work history includes print and digital media, will take over for publisher John Elchert, who for the past year has been playing a dual role as Enterprise publisher and chief operating officer of the Enterprise parent group, Blackbird.
“In the 20-plus years I’ve been in media I’ve always had an affinity for history and community,” Wnek said. “The newspaper serves as a watchdog and that felt important to me … In smaller communities, the newspaper is central to who we are.”
With over two decades of experience in the media industry Wnek has spearheaded numerous successful publications that have supported local and regional news coverage. He has experience with large and small newspapers across the country and recently spent the last four years as COO/President of MyNorth Media managing Traverse Magazine. His arrival comes one week after the Enterprise was named the Michigan Press Association “Newspaper of the Year” for a seventh-straight year.
“Being able to walk into a situation where, obviously there’s a great team which has proven time and time again as ‘best in class’, makes it easy on me,” Wnek said. “We’re in great shape and hope to continue excellence as we move forward.”
Elchert reflected on his tenure as Enterprise publisher.
“I’m extremely proud of what our team has accomplished in my five plus years as publisher of the Enterprise,” he said. “It has been an honor and privilege to be part of such a great group of people. We have grown together as a team, with the goal of producing an outstanding product and serving our communities with the news and information important to them.”
Elchert will work with Wnek as he transitions into the publisher role at the Enterprise.
“Bringing (Wnek) in allows me to focus on my duties as COO for our company of papers across the country,” Elchert said. “I’ll be working directly with him and the rest of our publisher team within the company.”
While not involved in the day-to-day management of the Enterprise, Elchert will work out of the Lake Leelanau office and continue to be an active part of our communities.
“Personally, I know I am better today than I was five years ago due to my association with everyone on this team. I’m grateful for my time spent with them,” Elchert said.
Wnek lives in Elk Rapids with his wife, Robbyn and daughter, Norah.
