Rebecca Snyder

Executive Director, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press Association.

Session: Unlock the Future of Local News
Time: Thursday, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Rebecca represents news media organizations in her role as the Executive Director of the Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press Association. She has worked in a variety of roles within the industry for over 15 years. Since 2014, she has provided legislative advocacy, shepherded new business development and transformational member services to members of the press association to elevate local news. As part of MDDC's work to highlight local journalism, Rebecca hosts a weekly podcast, Five Dubs, which focuses on the stories behind the stories as well as topics important to transparency and freedom of the press.

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Walter Thorne

Market President and Publisher, Albany Business Review

Session: Turning Engagement into Dollars
Time: Thursday, 1:45 pm - 2:45 pm

Walter Thorne is the market president and publisher of the Albany Business Review. Thorne joined the Business Review in 2019 as advertising director and was promoted to President in July 2021. He brings over 30 years of sales and leadership experience to the Albany Business Review where he leads a talented team that is responsible for implementing strategies that help customers grow their business, advance their career, and simplify their professional life. Prior to joining ABR, Thorne held sales-focused positions with JDOG Junk Removal, Advance Media, and Albany Broadcasting Co. and was self-employed for 28 years working for Rex Air Inc., selling Rainbow Vacuum cleaners door to door. Thorne's passion is to give back to the community by coaching and mentoring professionals in today's unrest. He combines a unique perspective of empathy, accountability, awareness, and structural changes to guide organizations to new levels in an uncertain time. Thorne grew up in Wappingers Falls and studied music and business at Wagner College. He is a classically trained opera singer - trained in six languages - and an avid bowler. Thorne serves on the boards of the 50 Group, Trinity Alliance of the Greater Capital Region, the Capital Region Chamber, CEG Board and The Community Foundation Board. He frequently volunteers his time as a mentor through several nonprofit organizations including Capital Region P-TECH and the SEAT Center.

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Kyle Constable

Director of Growth, New York Focus

Session: The Data Playbook for Audience Loyalty
Time: Friday, 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Kyle Constable is the director of growth at New York Focus, where he leads the organization's audience and product initiatives and advises the editorial and development teams on strategy. Before joining the staff in 2026, he led audience and reader revenue growth at The Assembly NC and The Connecticut Mirror, and consulted for more than a half-dozen other statewide and local newsrooms. He also spent nearly two years working as a reporter in CT Mirror's newsroom before transitioning to audience. He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2017.

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Rebecca Capparelli

Vice President of Promotions, USA Today Co.

Session: Session #4
Time: Friday, 10:45 am - 11:45 am

Rebecca Capparelli is the Vice President of Promotions for USA Today In this role, Rebecca partners with Gannett’s Leadership on their companywide promotions strategy, which was recognized by Secondstreet Media as the Best Group Wide Promotions Strategy Award Winner for each of the past 10 years. This includes the company’s Community’s Choice, Community Engagement and Lead Generation Promotions in partnership with the company’s sales divisions. Rebecca has also been named Local Media Association’s Digital Innovator of the Year in 2019 and one of the Top Women in Media by Folio Magazine in 2020. In 2023, Rebecca received the Inaugural Promotions Hall of Fame award from Secondstreet. In Addition, in 2025, She Was Awarded USA Today’s highest Honor, the G.R.E.A.T Award.

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