Heather Ruotolo, a Tahlequah Daily Press employee for nearly 12 years, has been named publisher of the newspaper, according to Terry Connor, CNHI regional executive for Oklahoma and other states.
Ruotolo began her career at TDP in 2013, starting in customer services as classified clerk. Since that time, she has served as circulation manager, a sales executive, advertising director and most recently, general manager. She was appointed to that role for TDP, as well as for the Stilwell Democrat-Journal, in 2023. She will also be publisher for the weekly newspaper in Stilwell.
“I’ve lived in Tahlequah since I started working here, and I love the community and enjoy working in the newspaper industry,” Ruotolo said. “I’m looking forward to the new role as publisher and keeping local newspapers thriving to provide excellent journalism to our communities.”
Ruotolo was born in Staten Island, New York, but was raised in Oklahoma. She is the mother of a 14-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl, and she and her partner, Garrett Kilpatrick, will be welcoming their daughter, Oaklee, in October.
“Heather’s passion for publishing strong community newspapers, coupled with an already award-winning staff, will be a plus as we continue to serve our readers and advertisers,” Connor said.