Thoma tapped for publisher position

Joshua Wood

Stevenson Newspaper

The Havre Daily News has a new, but familiar, face at the helm following the departure of publisher George Ferguson. Don Thoma was recently promoted to the position of publisher of the daily newspaper in northern Montana by owners Gary Stevenson and Robb Hicks.

"There were a number of qualified candidates who applied for this position," said Joshua Wood, operations director for Grand Teton News, which owns the Havre Daily. "Don, however, rose to the occasion and worked with the Havre Daily News team to ensure a newspaper was published as scheduled. We believe he is the right person for the job."

Thoma first came to HDN as the advertising director in September 2020. He brings with him more than 30 years experience in media. His career began as the news director WCCM/WTIQ, as part of the Radio Results Network in Manistique and Escanaba, Michigan. Thoma was also the production director for Great Lakes Radio in Marquette, Michigan, and programming and production director for New Media Broadcasters in Havre.

"Coming from an extensive media background, to venture into the print medium was a humbling and learning experience. Through the knowledge gained by watching the past two publishers, my hope is to be a valuable member of an already seasoned and talented team," said Thoma. "I look forward to meeting with the community and my door is always open to anyone to share their ideas, criticisms and comments. I feel fortunate to work with this team to continue the tradition this newspaper has upheld for over 110 years of honesty, integrity and excellence."