JJ FRANCAIS

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS

Industry Experience: 16 Tenure with Hilliary: 4

As Director of Special Projects, JJ manages projects for Hilliary Communications and serves as associate publisher for The Chronicle and Southwest Ledger, which are Hilliary-owned weekly newspapers.

His tasks include general supervision of numerous company projects from their conception to completion. JJ serves as Hilliary Communication’s liaison for governmental affairs at the state and federal levels.

As associate publisher, he oversees the business operations of both The Chronicle, a weekly local community newspaper, and Southwest Ledger, which covers business and politics across southwest Oklahoma. He recruits, manages, and trains the editorial and sales staffs; writes a weekly editorial; and provides coverage in the newsroom when needed.

Prior to joining Hilliary, JJ worked in both the commercial and nonprofit sectors, allowing him to foster a strong aptitude for community relations and project management. His previous positions include community news editor of a weekly newspaper and various roles in nonprofit ventures.

In his spare time JJ enjoys hosting webinars for the National Newspaper Association and spending time with his family. He is also an avid photographer.