Newspaper Association of America names David Chavern as new CEO

Newspaper Association of America said Thursday it has named public policy veteran David Chavern as its new president and CEO, effective Oct. 14.

He succeeds Caroline Little, who held the job for four years and announced her retirement earlier this year.

Chavern spent decades at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, lobbying in Washington, D.C. for businesses and entrepreneurs, but he has no direct experience in newspapers. He was most recently as president of its Center for Advanced Technology & Innovation. From 2007 to 2014, Chavern was the Chamber’s executive vice president and chief operating officer.

“David’s extensive public policy experience paired with his focus on technology and innovation were certainly deciding factors in the board’s selection,” NAA Board Chairman Donna Barrett said in a statement.

“I look forward to working with the organization’s incredible board and staff as we continue to strategically refocus our efforts by leveraging new technologies to bring the irreplaceable newspaper content that is loved by so many to more people than ever before,” Chavern said in a statement.