Mark H. Weber hired as EPLN CEO and publisher

The nonprofit Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN) has named Mark H. Weber, a longtime Eden Prairie resident and veteran of the community news business, as its first paid, full-time chief executive officer (CEO) and publisher.

He succeeds Steve Schewe, who has served as CEO and publisher in a volunteer capacity since January 2022. Schewe, who has overseen the digital news organization’s steady growth and the hiring of editorial staff, announced earlier this year that he planned to resign due to health concerns. His resignation became official Sept. 8, and Weber took over immediately.

Weber retired in 2022 as a vice president and publisher for Adams Publishing Group, where he managed 420 employees and 35 newspaper print and online platforms across Minnesota, including the Minnetonka-Excelsior-Eden Prairie Sun Sailor.

(Coincidentally, EPLN has two Mark Webers involved with the organization. Mark A. Weber, who worked at the Eden Prairie News for 34 years and helped found EPLN in 2020, is currently serving on the board of directors. His term ends in October.)

Advertisement

A transition team headed by EPLN Board Chair Nancy Tyra-Lukens and Director Anne Byrne recommended Mark H. Weber for the new role after spending July and August attracting and interviewing candidates. The hiring was approved unanimously by the board of directors on Sept. 3.

“We are confident that his longtime experience in publishing, marketing, and sales will help move EPLN to the next level,” Tyra-Lukens said about the Weber hiring. “In addition, his home has been Eden Prairie for many years and we feel that this is another asset.”

Weber described the role as an opportunity worth leaving retirement to pursue.

“I am truly honored and excited to step into the role of publisher at Eden Prairie Local News,” Weber said. “Having lived in Eden Prairie for 30 years, this is a community I deeply care about. I look forward to working alongside our talented team to continue delivering the news that matters most to our readers. Together, we will build on the rich five-year legacy of Eden Prairie Local News and the passion of our volunteers, sponsors, donors and staff.

Advertisement

“I am thrilled to be part of such a vital Eden Prairie institution and excited to contribute to our shared success in the years to come,” he added. “The future is bright for Eden Prairie Local News.”

Schewe decided to step down after learning that a benign meningioma, a tumor that forms on the membranes surrounding the brain, had returned. He was first diagnosed in 2019 and had the tumor removed at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. His latest surgery was scheduled for Sept. 10, also at Mayo.

“As I officially pass the torch to our talented new publisher, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on these past 60 days of transition – and the nearly five years leading up to it,” Schewe said. “What began as a volunteer effort, driven by a desire to provide Eden Prairie with trustworthy, nonpartisan local news, has become one of the most meaningful chapters of my life. I’m proud of the work our team has done and of the community we’ve built together. Your support, engagement and belief in local journalism have meant the world to me.

“Though I’m stepping back, I will remain an enthusiastic reader and supporter of EPLN – and who knows, you might see a letter to the editor from me once I’ve recovered from my upcoming surgery. Thank you, Eden Prairie, for allowing me to serve.”