Lisa Miller, former Chief Operating Officer of New Century Press, became the company’s owner as of January 1, 2026. (Photo/Submitted)
Miller leads New Century Press as owner
“We appreciate all of the support within our communities because we couldn’t do this without them.” – Lisa Miller
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 … a decision based on her commitment to local journalism.
New Century Press, based in Rock Rapids, Iowa, owns the FM Extra and two local magazines, Extraordinary Living and Welcome to Moorhead. The company also publishes 13 other weekly newspapers in the Dakotas, Minnesota and Iowa, including the Griggs County Courier and Steele County Press, along with many specialty publications throughout the region. NCP’s publications have received many awards in all four states.
Miller, a native of Rock Rapids, has spent more than 20 years guiding the company in a variety of roles. She got her start in journalism as the editor of her high school newspaper. “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 completed degrees in communication and social science at the University of Wyoming in 1999, where she earned Bachelor of Science degrees in communication and social science, along with an associate of arts degree in multimedia.
She joined New Century Press in 2001. She has held several roles, beginning in circulation, becoming general manager in 2008, and being named chief operating officer in 2024.
Miller explained how 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.” She officially took ownership as of Jan. 1.
She is first vice president of the Association of Community Publishers, president of Midwest Free Community Papers, and secretary-treasurer of the Iowa Newspaper Foundation.
While her title has changed, Miller’s day-to-day responsibilities will largely remain the same. Former owner and CEO Michael O’Hopp delegated daily operations to her along with creative oversight.
She said, “NCP will now be a locally-owned business here in the Midwest.” The previous ownership was based in Maryland. ”
Media advisor Kari Jurrens is taking over as general manager, while continuing as media advisor. “Kari has been a tremendous asset to New Century Press,” she said, “and I’m excited to see all that she’ll do in her new role.”
Miller detailed her goals for the coming 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 continue to report on your kids and grandkids in our publications, and to be a good quality news source within each of our communities.”
The new owner expressed gratitude for her team and patrons. “I’ve had so many great people working alongside me over the past 25 years. 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 in its 142nd year of operation. Its flagship newspaper, the Lyon County (Iowa) Reporter, was first published in 1884. Today, New Century Press has 13 offices and just under 50 employees.
“I have seen so many changes in the journalism industry in my 25 years with NCP,” Miller observed. “I still believe each community deserves a strong publication to tell its stories. NCP has never been afraid of change, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
