Sisterhood Spotlight

How is it being the first woman to assume this role in the paper’s more than 170 years?

I’m honored, but really the accomplishment isn’t that I was the first woman hired as President and Publisher of the Richmond Times Dispatch, but rather that my gender had no impact or bearing on being deserving of the job. There were likely numerous women in the paper’s 172 years that could have been amazing leaders, but were never given the chance. They surely faced barriers and road blocks that prevented them from being considered. I was given the opportunity to earn the position and that’s reflective of the diverse culture that Lee Enterprises is building within our organization. I’m fortunate to be part of a culture that is more accepting, more diverse, more focused on advancement for all people based solely on merit. That’s exciting. But it does feel good to break ceilings!

What goal are you bringing to this job?

My goal is always to make a positive impact in the communities we serve, but also to further our attempts at innovation. And maybe just as important, to make sure our communities are aware of that innovation. A great example of this is our creation of the Virginia Video Network, which shares local news through streaming and helps expand our audience. We’re more than a newspaper. We’re a digital agency with a state of the art video studio, research group, and in-house branded content department. Growing in these areas is a priority. It helps us better serve our audience and our advertisers. 

What key lessons can you share about your career in the advertising industry?

It’s been an amazing 26 years. My career started at Landmark Communications/The Virginian-Pilot in 1996 as a marketing coordinator and rose through ranks to Vice President of Advertising.  A key lesson that I learned and embraced early on is to seek mentors. In every step of my career, I have learned from amazing individuals; men and women, inside and outside my industry. I still rely on them today. That’s why I believe so strongly in paying it forward. I’m a mentor to numerous colleagues, past and present. I’m also proud to be a part of the Woman’s Initiative Network through my alma mater Old Dominion University. I hope to be able to contribute to similar programs in Richmond.

What advice do you have for women who are pursuing a male-dominated field?

Be bold, lean in, and ask for what you want. Be authentic. Never compromise who you are. Work hard and be nice. Don‘t be scared to fail. But learn from those failures. Find your tribe for support – the people you trust and who will talk you off the ledge on the bad days and celebrate with you on the good ones.  

You have five kids. What is it like balancing your career and family? What advice would you give other women?

Work-life balance is important and critical for success, but it is NOT easy. I’ve gotten better at it over the years, but it has taken practice. And believe me, it’s still a work in progress. But you have to draw some lines. I set priorities and am always there for the special moments – even if it means taking a red eye to make the cheer competition. I also schedule time on my calendar for myself. “Me time” is important. Sometimes I have to remind myself of that with a sticky note at work and home. Note to self: It’s ok to say no! 

What are you most looking forward to this holiday season?

Wearing matching family pajamas, laughing until we cry and making memories with family and friends.

About Kelly Till

Kelly Till is the first woman president and publisher to lead the Richmond Times-Dispatch in its 172-year history. Kelly, a 26-year veteran of the advertising industry, also serves as vice president of sales in the southeast region for Lee Enterprises Inc., the parent company of The Times-Dispatch. She became vice president of sales for The Times-Dispatch and Lee’s VA, NC and NJ markets in November 2020 after serving as vice president of advertising at The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press. Kelly is credited with pioneering several new programs for Lee, including the launch of a full-service video studio and news network, the continued expansion of the Amplified Digital advertising program across the region, and the creation of En Forme, a statewide lifestyle magazine.

Kelly has earned numerous honors, including most recently the Old Dominion University 2022 Distinguished Alumni award, a 2018 “Women of Distinction” title from YWCA South Hampton Roads, and recognized as an Editor & Publisher’s “Newspapers That Do it Right”. She serves on several boards across Virginia, including the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation, United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg, Virginia Arts Festival, Chamber RVA and An Achievable Dream. She also is a WIN (Women’s Initiative Network) member and mentors first generation female students at ODU. She earned her BSBA, Marketing from ODU in 1994. Kelly and her husband, Keith, live in Richmond and have five children blended.