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the center for integrity in news reporting STAFF

meet our

STAFF

RUFUS FRIDAY

Executive Director OF THE CENTER FOR INTEGRITY IN NEWS REPORTING

Rufus Friday, President and Publisher of the Lexington HeraldLeader in Lexington, Kentucky, from 2011 to 2018, joined the Center for Integrity in News Reporting (CFINR) as the Executive Director, effective December 30,2024.

 

Friday brings decades of experience in publishing and leadership to this vital role. He also previously served as President and Publisher of the Tri-City Herald in Kennewick, Washington, from 2005 to 2011.


Friday began his career in circulation at the Raleigh (NC) News & Observer, in 1984, rising to become Vice President of Circulation there from 2003 to 2005. His media career also includes executive leadership roles at newspapers in Montgomery, Alabama; Rockford, Illinois; and Jackson, Tennessee.


He holds a B.A. in Business Management and Economics from North Carolina State University and an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of the Cumberlands.


Friday’s commitment to service extends beyond the news media. He currently serves as Chair of the Stars and Stripes newspaper publisher national advisory board of directors, the Muhammad Ali Center board, a board of trustee of the University of the Cumberlands, and the University of Kentucky's College of Communication and Information Dean’s Advisory Council. He also serves on the Southern Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation board.


Friday and his wife Melody have one daughter, Chanel, and currently reside outside Lexington, Kentucky.

George mccanless

development Director OF THE CENTER FOR INTEGRITY IN NEWS REPORTING

George McCanless serves as Development Director for the Center for Integrity in News Reporting (CFINR), bringing more than three decades of leadership in media, philanthropy, and nonprofit strategy.


He most recently served as President & CEO of United Way of Central Georgia, where he doubled annual revenue, led an 85% increase in Alexis de Tocqueville Society members, and secured millions in state and foundation grants. He pioneered innovative approaches to fundraising, including the long-running Jeff Smith Auto Raffle, which has raised over $3.5 million. Under his leadership, the organization launched high-impact community programs and became the first in Georgia to adopt the ALICE framework to address financial hardship.


George previously served as President & Publisher of The Telegraph (Macon, GA), where he co-founded the Center for Collaborative Journalism at Mercer University—a nationally recognized model for university-newsroom partnerships, supported by $5.6 million in grants and featured in The New York Times. He held senior leadership roles at The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC), Ottaway Newspapers, and McClatchy, building a reputation for strategic thinking, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration.


He is a Certified Nonprofit Executive (CNE), Certified Development Executive (CDE), and Certified Nonprofit Consultant (CNC), with a deep commitment to advancing public service journalism and strengthening community institutions.


George earned a B.S. in Business Administration and Marketing from Wake Forest University. He and his wife Rebecca live in Forsyth, Georgia.

David sommers

independent communications consultant for the center for integrity in news reporting

A veteran communications executive and former media leader, Sommers brings more than 20 years of experience advancing transparency, accountability, and public trust across media, government, and corporate sectors.


Sommers has held leadership roles with Fortune 150 companies, municipal governments, and media organizations. His core expertise includes executive communications, crisis leadership, and public trust initiatives—all essential to CFINR’s mission of strengthening ethical standards in journalism.


His track record includes transformative leadership as Chief Revenue Officer and Publisher at the Rogue Valley Times, CEO of Pacific Community Media, and key executive roles at East Oregonian Media Group. In these roles, Sommers led newsroom revitalization strategies, secured significant funding, and drove digital innovation—work that aligns closely with CFINR’s commitment to fostering sustainable, high-integrity journalism.

RUFUS FRIDAY

Executive Director OF THE CENTER FOR INTEGRITY IN NEWS REPORTING

Rufus Friday, President and Publisher of the Lexington HeraldLeader in Lexington, Kentucky, from 2011 to 2018, joined the Center for Integrity in News Reporting (CFINR) as the Executive Director, effective December 30,2024.


Friday brings decades of experience in publishing and leadership to this vital role. He also previously served as President and Publisher of the Tri-City Herald in Kennewick, Washington, from 2005 to 2011.


Friday began his career in circulation at the Raleigh (NC) News & Observer, in 1984, rising to become Vice President of Circulation there from 2003 to 2005. His media career also includes executive leadership roles at newspapers in Montgomery, Alabama; Rockford, Illinois; and Jackson, Tennessee.


He holds a B.A. in Business Management and Economics from North Carolina State University and an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of the Cumberlands.


Friday’s commitment to service extends beyond the news media. He currently serves as Chair of the Stars and Stripes newspaper publisher national advisory board of directors, the Muhammad Ali Center board, a board of trustee of the University of the Cumberlands, and the University of Kentucky's College of Communication and Information Dean’s Advisory Council. He also serves on the Southern Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation board.


Friday and his wife Melody have one daughter, Chanel, and currently reside outside Lexington, Kentucky.

GEORGE MCCANLESS

DEVELOPMENT Director OF THE CENTER FOR INTEGRITY IN NEWS REPORTING

George McCanless has joined the Center for Integrity in News Reporting as our new Development Director. George brings a distinguished background in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and media management, making him a tremendous asset to our organization.


Most recently, George served as President & CEO of United Way of Central Georgia, where he doubled annual revenue, secured significant grant funding, and expanded key community programs. His extensive experience includes leadership roles in media, having served as President & Publisher of The Telegraph (Macon, GA) and in senior finance and strategic planning roles at The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and other McClatchy newspapers.


George is a Certified Nonprofit Executive (CNE), Certified Development Executive (CDE), and Certified Nonprofit Consultant (CNC), with a strong track record in major gifts fundraising, donor engagement, and strategic partnerships.