Christy Everest, Chairman and CEO of The Oklahoma Publishing Co., announced Monday that David Thompson will retire from the company as Publisher of The Oklahoman and President of OPUBCO Communications Group on Sept. 1 and Christopher P. Reen will succeed him at that time.
David Thompson's Civic & Professional Affiliations
Last Frontier Council Boy Scouts
Board of Directors
Oklahoma Health Center Foundation
Board of Directors
Oklahoma Business and Education Coalition
Active member
State Fair of Oklahoma
Board of Directors
YMCA
Chairman, Board of Directors
Allied Arts
Board of Directors
RIED
Executive Committee
Oklahoma Business Roundtable
Board of Directors
SPPI/NP&RC
Chairman, Board of Directors
Peppers Ranch Boys Home
President, Board of Directors
Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors; Past Chairman
United Way
Board of Directors
Integris Health Foundation
Board of Directors
Beacon Club
Board of Directors
Bank of Oklahoma
Board of Directors
SNPA
Board of Directors
NAA
Board of Directors
Thompson began his career at The Oklahoman in 1974 as a member of the retail advertising staff. In 1977, he became Advertising Director at the Colorado Springs Sun, a newspaper purchased by The Oklahoma Publishing Co. He returned to The Oklahoman in 1987 as Advertising Director and remained there for 14 years until becoming Vice President of Advertising for The Charlotte Observer. In 2003, he was named Publisher of The Oklahoman and returned to Oklahoma City. In 2007 he also became President of OPUBCO Communications Group, a multimedia division of The Oklahoma Publishing Co.
Thompson is only the third publisher in the history of the company, following E.K. Gaylord and Edward L. Gaylord.
“David has had an outstanding 37-year career and has led well during a challenging time in our industry. He has followed the footsteps of my father and grandfather with great passion, optimism, a competitive spirit and lots of hard work,” said Everest. “He has also been a great ambassador for the company and a tireless leader throughout our community. I know he and his wife Jane will continue to be great supporters of our city and state. It’s been a privilege to work side by side with him.”
Thompson said he and Jane plan to stay in Oklahoma City and continue their active community roles.
"Our children and grandchildren live here and this is home," said Thompson. "I have spent my entire career with this company except for the two years in Charlotte. It has been a pleasure and a privilege; this is a great company. I have especially enjoyed working with Christy for the last eight years."
Everest said one mark of Thompson's strong leadership is building other leaders.
"David hired Chris Reen seven years ago and the two have worked closely together. They will continue to do so during this transition.
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