Sara Stadem | NCP Editor
After more than two decades of leadership, New Century Press chief operating officer, Lisa Miller is stepping into a new role, this time as owner. Having spent over 20 years helping guide the company through her various roles, Miller decided to purchase the business because of her devotion and commitment to local journalism.
New Century Press is owner of The Republic newspaper.
Miller, a Rock Rapids native and Central Lyon graduate, got her start in journalism as the editor of her high school newspaper, “Lions Pride.”
“I became the editor of my school paper and that’s where my passion for the industry began,” Miller said. “I discovered I had a real appreciation for print journalism.”
After graduation, Miller attended the University of Wyoming, where she earned bachelor of science degrees in communication and social science and an associate of arts degree in multimedia in May 1999. That same month, Miller married her husband, Ryan, and the couple remained in Wyoming for the next seven years where Miller started her journalism career in Casper, Wyoming, at the Casper Journal.
They have two children: Devin (Reese) and Kylee.
In 2001, the Millers decided they wanted to be closer to family, returning to their hometown of Rock Rapids, where Miller began working for New Century Press. Over the years, she has held several roles at the company, beginning in circulation, becoming general manager in 2008 and most recently, being named chief operating officer in March 2024.
Miller says her previous roles have prepared her for her next step as owner.
“I believe a good leader should be able to do all roles within the business. One of my favorite things is being able to go out and take photos.” Miller officially took ownership of New Century Press as of Jan. 1, 2026.
Miller is currently serving on the Association of Community Publishers as first vice-president, the Midwest Free Community Papers as president and the Iowa Newspaper Foundation as secretary/treasurer.
While her title has changed, Miller noted her day-to-day responsibilities will largely remain the same. She added the former owner and chief executive officer, Michael O’Hopp, delegated Miller to the daily operations and entrusted her with creative oversight, responsibilities that will continue as owner.
When asked if there are changes customers and staff will see, Miller said, “NCP will now be a locally-owned business where it had been a Maryland business before. So, it will now be an Iowa-based business with ownership in the Midwest.” In addition, Miller explained that media advisor Kari Jurrens has been promoted to general manager. She clarified Jurrens will continue serving her role as media advisor while also taking on the role of general manager. “Kari Jurrens has been a tremendous asset to New Century Press and I’m excited to see all that she’ll do in her new role as general manager,” said Miller.
As Miller steps into her new role, she shared her goals for the upcoming year. “My goal is to continue to highlight our communities with local news coverage. Community journalism is incredibly important to me. I want to make sure we continue to be a trusted source — to be able to tell people’s stories, to be able to see your kids and grandkids within our publications and to be a good quality news source within each of our communities.”
While discussing the business, Miller expressed her gratitude for her team and patrons. “I’ve had so many great people working alongside me over the past 25 years and I have met so many wonderful people throughout my career. We appreciate all of the support within our communities because we couldn’t do this without them.” She continued, “We hope to continue to grow in each of our communities. We have built a strong team within NCP and we are going to continue to do great things.”
New Century Press is a multi-state publishing company in its 142nd year of operation, with its flagship newspaper, The Lyon County Reporter. First published in 1884, The Lyon County Reporter is the oldest business in Lyon County, Iowa. Today, New Century Press has 13 offices and just under 50 employees. While the company began in Iowa, it has expanded to publish 16 weekly publications in the Midwest, including Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. NCP’s publications have received awards in all four states.
Miller concluded, “I have seen so many changes in the journalism industry. I still believe each community deserves a strong publication to tell their stories. NCP isn’t afraid of change and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”