New publisher named at KC Star

The McClatchy Co. today named Mi-Ai Parrish publisher and president of The Kansas City Star effective June 20.

Parrish, publisher of the company’s Idaho Statesman since July 2006, succeeds Mark Zieman, who recently became a vice president of operations at McClatchy after 25 years at The Star.

Parrish, 40, had been deputy managing editor for features and visuals at the Minneapolis Star Tribune when promoted to the publisher’s post in Boise, Idaho.

Her journalism career has included work at the San Francisco Chronicle, Arizona Republic, Chicago Sun-Times and Virginian-Pilot.

“The Kansas City Star has a storied history, and I’m humbled to be part of its future,” Parrish said.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with a wonderful team in Boise with an innovative spirit and a willingness to embrace change,” she said. “At the same time, I’m thrilled to join the great staff and talented journalists at The Star and become part of the vibrant Kansas City community.”

Parrish, whose first name is pronounced MEE-uh, said she also welcomed a return to the Midwest with its “welcoming spirit and can-do attitude” and that she is enticed by the city’s barbecue, music and history.

“Mi-Ai is an innovative, intelligent and enthusiastic publisher — all qualities you need to make a great newspaper even better,” said Zieman, who announced the appointment and introduced Parrish to Star employees in its newsroom.