Suzanne Klopfenstein to Retire After 32 Years at Cox First Media

Rob Rohr Returns to Dayton to Lead the Next Chapter of Growth and Innovation of our Trusted News Brands

DAYTON, Ohio, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox First Media announces the retirement of Suzanne Klopfenstein, who will be stepping down as Publisher on June 30, 2025. Over her 32-year career with Cox, Suzanne has been instrumental in leading change, driving innovation, and serving the community through impactful journalism and helping businesses connect with our audiences.

"Suzanne has been a driving force behind the success of Cox First Media for decades. Her leadership and passion for local journalism have left a lasting legacy. We wish her the very best in her well-deserved retirement," said Spencer Boice, Vice President of Digital Media at Cox Enterprises.

Rob Rohr, a Dayton native and longtime media executive, has been named as President and Publisher for Cox First Media, which includes the Dayton Daily News, Springfield News-Sun, and Journal-News. Rob will work closely with Suzanne Klopfenstein in transition until her retirement. Rob brings a wealth of experience in media leadership, innovation, and audience engagement.

"Returning to Cox First Media feels like coming home," said Rohr. "I'm honored to lead this team and continue serving our communities with trusted journalism while embracing digital innovations that help us grow and evolve."

In his new role, Rob will oversee all aspects of operations, editorial direction, and business strategies across the company's print and digital platforms, working to strengthen local journalism while expanding digital growth and innovation. Rob previously served as Market Vice President for Cox Media Group, where he led the integration of the Dayton Daily News, WHIO-TV, and Cox Radio brands. Under his leadership, the media properties achieved record audience engagement, expanded digital platforms, and earned numerous industry awards, including the Marconi Award and an Emmy for Overall Station Excellence. Rob also co-owned and grew a packaging engineering firm serving Fortune 100 companies before successfully exiting the business.

Rob holds an MBA from the University of Dayton and remains an active community leader. He is passionate about mentoring entrepreneurs and fostering innovation in the Dayton community.

"We're thrilled to welcome Rob back to the Cox family. His impressive track record and deep connection to the Dayton community make him the ideal leader to guide us forward. We look forward to continuing our mission to inform and engage our readers across both print and digital platforms," added Boice.

With Rob's leadership, Cox First Media is poised for continued growth and innovation, strengthening its role as a trusted news source and community partner in the region.

About Cox First Media 

Cox First Media has been the most trusted local journalism brand in the region for more than 125 years. Reaching over half a million people each week, our mission is to embrace the future by engaging and growing our audience and connecting them to our community and the region through our suite of digital products and capabilities. Our journalists work daily to improve the lives of the people and businesses in the communities we serve, and we are committed to delivering the news readers want, when and where they want it.

About Cox Enterprises 

Cox Enterprises is dedicated to empowering people to build a better future for the next generation. Cox is a leader in the broadband, automotive, and media industries, as well as a leading investment platform with strategic positions in emerging technologies driving the future of agriculture, renewable energy, healthtech, and public sector software. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Cox is a global company with $23 billion in annual revenues and a proud history spanning more than 125 years. To learn more about Cox and its commitment to its people, planet, and communities, visit coxenterprises.com.

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SOURCE Cox Enterprises