LIHU‘E — Lee Enterprises (NYSE: LEE) announced today that veteran newspaper executive Randy Kozerski has been appointed president of Kauai Publishing Company and publisher and editor of The Garden Island, serving the Hawaiian islands of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau.

Kozerski joined The Garden Island in 2007 as controller, responsible for all financial operations. He has served as interim publisher since September, when former publisher Mark Lewis was promoted to Lee's newspaper in Racine, Wis.

In announcing the appointment, Lee group leader John M. Humenik said: “Randy brings more than experience and good instinct to his new role as publisher and editor. He brings a passion for the people of Kauai, especially our talented, hard-working employees there, and a keen focus on helping customers grow their businesses. He understands that a newspaper and its community are one in that mission.”

Humenik added: “Randy and his wife, Gina, enjoy being involved in their community, as well. They have come to love the island and demonstrate their affection through their community service. This appointment will allow Randy to spread his wings as he helps those around him reach even higher.”

Lewis returned to Lihu‘e for the announcement of his successor. “I am excited for The Garden Island ohana and the community to have Randy appointed publisher,” Lewis said. “He has been on Kaua‘i more than two years and has had many successes with the paper. I believe this appointment will allow the paper to continue its hard work for the people of Kauai.”

Kozerski brings 15 years of financial and management experience to his new position. Before joining The Garden Island two years ago, he served three years as controller at The Journal Times in Racine. He previously held leadership roles at Metavante Corporation and Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, both based in Wisconsin. He is a business administration graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is a certified public accountant.

The Garden Island, founded in 1902, is the westernmost daily newspaper in the United States. Its online site, thegardenisland.com, is the leading provider of digital news, information and advertising in the region, generating more than one million page views and attracting more than 200,000 visitors per month. Specialty publications of Kaua‘i Publishing Co. include Island Shopper and Essential Kaua'i.

Lee is based in Davenport, Iowa, and operates newspapers and online sites in 23 states. Lee's newspapers have circulation of 1.5 million daily and 1.8 million Sunday, reaching four million readers daily. Lee's online sites attract 14 million unique visits monthly, and Lee's weekly publications have distribution of more than four million households. Lee's other markets include St. Louis, Mo.; Madison, Wis.; Billings, Mont.; Bloomington, Ill.; and Tucson, Ariz. Lee stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LEE. For more information about Lee, please visit www.lee.net.