Leadership Team
Four Generations Strong
Our dedicated employees have made Meister Media the industry leader it is today.
Gary T. Fitzgerald
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
Gary sets the strategic direction for Meister Media Worldwide, leading the transformation of the company from a magazine publisher to a diversified global media, information, and services organization. The third generation of Meister’s senior leadership, he joined the company in 1979 as Western Advertising Manager and progressed through positions in sales, operations, and general management to his current role. Gary earned his B.A. in Economics from Washington and Lee University and his MM in Marketing and Finance from Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management.
Joe Monahan
President and Chief Operating Officer
Joe has been involved with agricultural media for over 30 years. He is responsible for the company’s day-to-day operations and overall business performance. He is a past board member for the Biological Products Industry Alliance (BPIA) and led the Communications Committee for the association. He currently leads Meister Media’s Global Ag Technology Initiative. Joe is a graduate of Ohio University’s College of Business.
Katherine Howington
Chief Finance and
Strategy Officer
Kat partners with the executive management team to provide leadership, financial acumen, and strategic insight to ensure the financial health, integrity, and growth of the organization. Prior to joining Meister, she worked in financial services industry with a focus on strategic financial analysis and risk management. She earned her B.A. in Economics from Denison University.
Tony D’Avino
Managing Director, Protected Crops
Tony is responsible for the business and financial performance of MMW brands, with a strong focus on maintaining and growing their market leadership. His career in diversified business media and information services spans 30 years, working at the intersection of leadership, people and revenue generation. Tony earned his B.S in Marketing from Montclair State University.
Elizabeth Crews
Corporate Director Audience Engagement
Elizabeth joined Meister Media in the fall of 2020 and oversees audience development. In her current role she is focused on reader acquisition, retention and engagement as well as managing and growing the company’s first party data. She has worked for several media organizations throughout her career and is a graduate of St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY.
Lauren Lewis
Corporate Director of Events
Lauren oversees the development and execution of trade shows, strategic conferences, and hosted-buyer events across the Meister Media portfolio of brands. Prior to joining Meister, she worked for a multidisciplinary scientific consulting firm addressing human health and safety challenges for clients in pharmaceutical, industrial, and food industries. Lauren earned her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from The University of Virginia.
Bill Rigo
Director, Custom Creative Services
Bill develops high-level, innovative visual communications to advance Meister Media Worldwide’s brands. In his 35+ years with Meister Media Worldwide, he has helped foster the company’s growth in web and digital media including enewsletters and webinars, global events, and custom direct-to-market services. Bill studied design at Kent State University. He is a member of the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA), the American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA), and American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE).
Heather Tunstall
Corporate Content Director, Brand Media & Engagement
Heather oversees the content offerings across brands, leading a team of talented contributors to produce best-in-class content. She is focused on driving strategic, innovative, multi-format content across multiple channels to grow audience engagement and amplify the value that MMW provides to our audiences. She holds an M.S. in International Marketing Management from Boston University and a B.S. in Magazine Journalism from Ohio University, and has more than 20 years of experience in journalism, content marketing and business leadership roles.
Bob West
Corporate Digital Director
Bob serves as Meister Media’s Corporate Digital Director with responsibility for the company’s PURE Intel™ data platform as well as the company’s enewsletters, websites and related digital media products. Bob holds a journalism degree from Ohio Wesleyan University, and he has more than 25 years in B2B media and marketing roles, including more than 15 years with Meister Media.
Charlotte Sine
Editor-at-Large
Charlotte retired in 2005 as Executive Vice President and Editorial Director after 46 years. She now works on special assignments and reviews all company publications. Charlotte earned her B.A. from Cleveland State University. Her tireless commitment and unwavering dedication to agriculture around the world has helped build what is now Meister Media Worldwide.
Our Founders
Edward G. K. Meister
1886 – 1976
Edward L. Meister
1915 – 1979
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