IPA names Josh Sharp as Director of Government Relations
The Illinois Press Association announced the appointment of Josh Sharp as its Director of Government Relations.  He succeeds Beth Bennett, who is now executive director of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association.
 
Sharp has been with the IPA for six years in the position of assistant director of government relations.  His primary duties included lobbying and member services.  He has served as the interim director of government relations since May.

He has been involved with writing and negotiating every newspaper bill for the Association during that time.

Dennis DeRossett, executive director of the IPA, said in regard to making this appointment, “The IPA is fortunate to have someone of Josh’s caliber to step up and lead the legislative and lobbying efforts for our association. He is well-versed in the issues facing the newspaper industry in Illinois, is committed to our industry and our members, and has proven skills within the state legislative arena.
 
 “Josh is well-known at the Capitol; he has built strong relationships with members of the Legislature and their staffs. All of this serves the IPA well as we work to protect and preserve issues that are important for a free press and a democracy.”

DeRossett said those issues include transparency in government with open records and open meetings, the Freedom of Information Act and the preservation of public notices.  Sharp will also be the point person for member inquiries on all legislative and lobbying issues.
 
Bruce Sagan, publisher of the Hyde Park Herald and chairman of the IPA’s Government Relations committee, said, “We are fortunate to have someone who understands the Illinois legislature and has been involved in our program for six years to carry on our legislative agenda.  The Government Relations Committee fully supports his promotion to this critical position.”
 
Sharp said, “I look forward to the opportunity to serve the IPA as its Director of Government Relations. The newspaper industry is so critical to the preservation of our democracy.  And, newspapers play such a critical role in the communities they serve. I’m proud to carry the IPA banner at the Capitol and our members can count on the same high-level of advocacy they’ve come to know and expect from the association.”
 
Sharp is a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. Prior to joining the IPA in 2004, he was an intern for the lobbying firm of Filson/Gordon Associates and also worked for the Department of Central Management Services.
 
Sharp can be contacted by calling 217-241-1300 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .