This column is a meaningful one for me, as it marks my final issue serving as Executive Director of MFCP. Sue and I have had the privilege of leading this association for the past six years, and it has truly been one of the most rewarding chapters of our professional lives.
When we stepped into this role, we did so with a deep respect for the history of MFCP and an even deeper belief in the strength of its members. Over the years, we’ve worked alongside an engaged board, dedicated volunteers, and passionate publishers who care deeply about this industry and about one another. Together, we navigated challenges, celebrated milestones (including a very special 70th anniversary year!), and continued to evolve to meet the needs of our members.
Sue and I are incredibly grateful for the trust you placed in us. Thank you for your encouragement, your collaboration, your honesty, and your friendship. It has been an honor to serve this association and to support the people who make MFCP such a strong and meaningful organization.
While goodbyes are never easy, this one comes with a great deal of excitement. MFCP is in excellent hands, and I couldn’t be more confident about the future under its next leader. I’m pleased to turn the page and allow our new Executive Director to introduce himself.
Lee Borkowski
Nice to Meet You
Many of you may recognize me from my role as Vice President on the MFCP Board of Directors or as Chair of the MVP Program. If we haven’t yet met, I’d like to formally introduce myself. My name is Cory Regnier, and as of the first of the year, I am transitioning into the role of Executive Director for the association.
I have been involved in the publishing industry for more than 11 years, working under the leadership of Trevor Slette, owner and publisher of Citizen Publishing Company in southwest Minnesota. I began my career as an ad designer and later advanced to Composition Department Manager.
In 2019, I was honored to be nominated as a Rising Star by the Association of Free Community Papers—an experience that helped me grow both personally and professionally while building meaningful connections across the industry at both the regional and national levels. Following my extended time in the program (thanks, COVID!), my passion for the industry only continued to grow.
That passion led me to serve on the boards of both MFCP and ACP, where I’ve been actively involved in many facets of each organization over the past two years. Stepping into the role of Executive Director feels like a natural and exciting next step in that journey.
I want to sincerely thank Lee Borkowski and Sue Pilla for their incredible leadership and dedication in guiding MFCP to the strong position it holds today. Their tenacity, enthusiasm, and organizational expertise have been invaluable. I am deeply grateful for their kindness, encouragement, and guidance throughout this transition. The industry—and I—will truly feel their absence, and I wish them nothing but the best in all their future endeavors.
I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to working with all of you and the board to help grow your businesses, strengthen our connections, and continue building a strong association. As our industry continues to evolve, I welcome the challenge of navigating what’s ahead and supporting our members as we move confidently into the next era of publishing.
Cory Regnier
When we stepped into this role, we did so with a deep respect for the history of MFCP and an even deeper belief in the strength of its members. Over the years, we’ve worked alongside an engaged board, dedicated volunteers, and passionate publishers who care deeply about this industry and about one another. Together, we navigated challenges, celebrated milestones (including a very special 70th anniversary year!), and continued to evolve to meet the needs of our members.
Sue and I are incredibly grateful for the trust you placed in us. Thank you for your encouragement, your collaboration, your honesty, and your friendship. It has been an honor to serve this association and to support the people who make MFCP such a strong and meaningful organization.
While goodbyes are never easy, this one comes with a great deal of excitement. MFCP is in excellent hands, and I couldn’t be more confident about the future under its next leader. I’m pleased to turn the page and allow our new Executive Director to introduce himself.
Lee Borkowski
Nice to Meet You
Many of you may recognize me from my role as Vice President on the MFCP Board of Directors or as Chair of the MVP Program. If we haven’t yet met, I’d like to formally introduce myself. My name is Cory Regnier, and as of the first of the year, I am transitioning into the role of Executive Director for the association.
I have been involved in the publishing industry for more than 11 years, working under the leadership of Trevor Slette, owner and publisher of Citizen Publishing Company in southwest Minnesota. I began my career as an ad designer and later advanced to Composition Department Manager.
In 2019, I was honored to be nominated as a Rising Star by the Association of Free Community Papers—an experience that helped me grow both personally and professionally while building meaningful connections across the industry at both the regional and national levels. Following my extended time in the program (thanks, COVID!), my passion for the industry only continued to grow.
That passion led me to serve on the boards of both MFCP and ACP, where I’ve been actively involved in many facets of each organization over the past two years. Stepping into the role of Executive Director feels like a natural and exciting next step in that journey.
I want to sincerely thank Lee Borkowski and Sue Pilla for their incredible leadership and dedication in guiding MFCP to the strong position it holds today. Their tenacity, enthusiasm, and organizational expertise have been invaluable. I am deeply grateful for their kindness, encouragement, and guidance throughout this transition. The industry—and I—will truly feel their absence, and I wish them nothing but the best in all their future endeavors.
I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to working with all of you and the board to help grow your businesses, strengthen our connections, and continue building a strong association. As our industry continues to evolve, I welcome the challenge of navigating what’s ahead and supporting our members as we move confidently into the next era of publishing.
Cory Regnier