Arizona Media Association + Arizona Local News Foundation

PHOENIX – Arizona Media Association and Arizona Local News Foundation President and CEO Chris Kline will step down from his current role at the end of 2025 to become Chairman of the Board for the Arizona Local News Foundation.

Kline will begin a gradual phase-out of his CEO role while continuing to guide momentum on key projects before he assumes his new board leadership role in January 2026.

He takes over the Arizona Local News Foundation Chairman of the Board role from Stacy Sullivan, who is stepping down at year’s end but will remain on the board as a director.

In this new role, Kline’s focus will be support the board of directors, future strategy, and key Association/Foundation partnerships.

“This transition is about stability and strength,” said Michael Mallace, Board Chairman for the Arizona Media Association. “Chris has built these organizations from the ground up, and his vision and leadership have helped transform Arizona’s media landscape. With the Foundation becoming an even greater driver of investment and innovation, Chris’s leadership there is invaluable to accelerate growth.”

During Kline’s seven years as CEO, the Association and Foundation have achieved many milestones:

• Created the largest and most inclusive statewide media collaborative in the nation, uniting nearly 400 Arizona media brands across television, radio, print, and digital.
• Secured millions in philanthropic investment to support a dramatic expansion of local journalism and innovative news collaborations across Arizona.
• Launched local media groundbreaking initiatives, including the Arizona Community Collaborative, statewide political debates partnership, and high-impact, multi-platform public education campaigns.
• Positioned Arizona as a national model for media collaboration and sustainability.

“The Arizona Local News Foundation is where future stability for local news is being secured every day – and it’s a place I want to champion even more,” said Kline. “This new role gives me the chance to help safeguard and grow that mission while continuing to work alongside the incredible staff at the Association and Foundation who are supporting Arizona local media and community connection every day.”

About the Arizona Media Association + Arizona Local News Foundation 
The Arizona Media Association represents nearly 400 media outlets across the state, including television, radio, print, and digital brands. The mission of the Association is to strengthen community connections by amplifying the unique role local media plays in every Arizona neighborhood. The Arizona Local News Foundation exists to connect communities with more local news and information that drives our state forward. The Foundation funds programs that ensure information is more accessible and impactful in every Arizona community.