John S. Adams, the founder of Montana Free Press, announced plans to step down as CEO on June 1, 2027. This transition follows a decade of Adams building the independent, nonprofit news organization from a one-person endeavor into a nationally recognized entity with a staff of 25.
Adams launched Montana Free Press in February 2016 with the belief that Montanans would support independent journalism. At the time, traditional newspapers were shrinking, and reporters were facing job losses. Adams started the organization with limited funds and no staff, operating it initially from his camper shell. Today, MTFP is known for its award-winning reporting and innovative digital products.
Building a Montana Institution
Adams, a former capital bureau chief, left his position in 2015 during a nationwide restructuring. Instead of leaving journalism, he aimed to create a new model. Supported by a small group of friends and advisers, he founded Montana Free Press as a nonprofit dedicated to nonpartisan reporting on issues shaping Montana’s future.
The early years required personal sacrifices, with Adams relying on small donations and odd jobs to sustain the newsroom. For its first three years, Adams was the sole employee. He described starting MTFP as one of the most difficult yet rewarding experiences of his life, marked by financial uncertainty and sleepless nights, but also by the support of people who believed in his vision.
A Decade of Innovation and National Recognition
Since 2016, Montana Free Press has gained a reputation for rigorous accountability journalism and in-depth coverage of state government and public policy. MTFP’s work has showcased a sustainable business model combined with strong journalism.
In 2022, Local Independent Online News (LION) Publishers recognized Montana Free Press with its Business of the Year and Operational Resilience awards. MTFP also received LION’s Product of the Year award for its 2022 Election Guide. The newsroom developed tools like its nonpartisan Election Guide to help Montanans research candidates and understand ballot issues. Its Capitol Tracker allows readers to follow legislation and lawmaker voting records.
Adams’ investigative reporting and MTFP’s founding story were featured in the 2018 documentary “Dark Money,” which examined the influence of anonymous political spending on Montana elections. The film was shortlisted for an Oscar and received an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award.
Beyond Montana, Adams has become an advocate for independent local journalism nationwide. He has shared lessons from MTFP’s growth with other nonprofit news organizations. In September, LION Publishers named Adams its Community Member of the Year for his contributions to independent news entrepreneurs. This included his leadership in launching Local News Day, a national initiative that brought together over 1,200 newsrooms to raise awareness about local journalism.
“One of the things I’m most proud of is that our work has extended beyond Montana,” Adams stated. “We’ve learned a lot over the past ten years, often the hard way, and we’ve done our best to share those lessons with others who are working to rebuild local news in their communities. I believe deeply that independent journalism has a bright future, and I’m grateful we’ve been able to contribute to that movement.”
Built for Today and Tomorrow
Adams stated his decision to step down is driven by the belief that strong journalism requires strong, sustainable institutions. His initial goal was to build an organization that would outlast him and serve the state for generations. He believes new leadership, fresh perspectives, and bold ideas are necessary for the next stage of MTFP’s growth.
Adams has been considering this transition for several years, viewing it as an opportunity to build on the organization’s success. MTFP’s board views the transition as a chance to evolve. MTFP Vice Chair Anne Avis, who chairs the search committee, said the board’s first step will be to seek input from key stakeholders to identify the qualities needed in the next leader. The board’s goal is to hire MTFP’s next CEO by May 2027.
MTFP board Chair Skylar Browning expressed gratitude for Adams’ decade of leadership, which has positioned MTFP as the leading independent news organization in Montana and a national model. Adams will continue to lead the organization during the search process and will work with the board and staff to ensure a smooth transition.
As Adams prepares for his final months as CEO, he hopes the organization’s 10-year anniversary and leadership transition will celebrate its achievements and the people who contributed to them. “The success we’ve had belongs to a lot of people,” Adams said. “We owe our success to the journalists and the business staff who show up every day to do difficult, important work. Our success belongs to the board members who believe in this mission, the donors who invest in it, and the readers who trust us to help them understand their state.”
Adams concluded, “Ten years ago, Montana Free Press was barely more than an idea, a laptop and a pickup. Today, it’s an organization with an extraordinary team and a bright future that extends far beyond the tenure of its founder. I think that’s worth celebrating, and it’s why I feel so confident in what lies ahead.” Adams’ post-transition plans are still being developed, and Montana Free Press will provide updates on the CEO search.