Bradenton Herald names new audience development director

Todd Benz

Todd Benz, who has a 32-year career background in the newspaper business, has been named director of audience development for the Bradenton (Fla.) Herald.  He will lead the Herald's efforts to increase its audience in both print and online editions.

Benz began his newspaper career as a news carrier for the Milwaukee Sentinel.  Over the past 32 years, he has worked in many different-sized markets, including stops in Wisconsin, Michigan, California, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Benz has worked on rebuilding circulation departments and working on restructuring entire newspaper operations in Central Wisconsin with Gannett and in El Centro, Calif., with Schurz Communications.

"Todd is a very talented up-and-comer in the media business," said Bob Turner, Bradenton Herald president and publisher. "His proven track record is enviable, and we look forward to moving to the next level in customer service and growth of our audience."

In 2013-14 Benz was president of the Mid-Atlantic Circulation Managers Association, was a five-year board member of Central States Circulation Managers Association and was vice president and a board member of
Cal-West Circulation Managers Association.

Benz has managed classifieds, worked with advertising and event marketing, and has been instrumental in growing digital and interactive operations.

He is currently a member of the inaugural class of the SNPA NEX GEN program, designed to help develop upcoming leaders in the multimedia publishing industry.