NEWBERRY — Denny Koenders has been named publisher of The Newberry Observer by Scott Champion, CEO of Champion Media LLC. Koenders is no stranger to The Observer, he previously served as publisher from 2009-11.

“We are excited to announce that Denny Koenders has joined Champion Media as the publisher in Newberry, South Carolina. Denny has years of experience as a publisher and group publisher including being publisher in Newberry, South Carolina a few years ago,” Champion said. “We feel that Denny will be a perfect fit for not only Newberry, but also for Champion Media as we move forward into 2018 and beyond.”

Upon his return to Newberry, Koenders said that, to him, Newberry is the most underestimated community and city in all of the places that he has been, with so much going on.

Koenders brings with him decades of experience, he started out as an advertising sales person, and has served as advertising director, a circulation manager, a commercial print manager, general manager and publisher. He has worked in South Dakota, Iowa, Alabama, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina and North Carolina.

“My philosophy is that a local newspaper belongs to the communities it serves,” Koenders said. “I want each and every one of you to stop in and visit me at my office.”

Born in Watertown, South Dakota, he is a graduate of Brookings High School in Brookings, South Dakota. After graduating Koenders served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea, Vietnam and Germany.

Koenders has a history of community service, he has served as a past president of a local Chamber of Commerce and past president of a Chamber Foundation Board. He is also a member of the Rotary and Lions Club, of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Vietnam Veterans Organization.

Koenders has six children, three boys and three girls, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He enjoys jogging, power walking and fishing.

Denny Koenders has been named publisher of The Newberry Observer.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/web1_DSC_0209.jpgDenny Koenders has been named publisher of The Newberry Observer. Andrew Wigger | The Newberry Observer

By Andrew Wigger

awigger@newberryobserver.com

Reach Andrew Wigger at 803-276-0625 ext. 1867 or on Twitter @ TheNBOnews.