NorthBay biz is a monthly magazine, covering Sonoma, Napa and Marin counties in Northern California. Telling the stories behind the news for 45 years, NorthBay biz covers a range of topics, including business, politics, food, wine and lifestyle in the North Bay.
PresidentJohn Dennis
John Dennis is president of NorthBay biz magazine and is responsible for digital advertising. He began his management career as the regional manager for Sears Roebuck & Company in the Chicago area. After purchasing NorthBay biz, John became an owner–operator of the magazine for nearly 20 years.
Selling the magazine to ASMG in 2017, John continued on as president of NBB, helping with the ownership transition and expanding the opportunities of the magazine’s digital platforms, led by ASMG’s in house digital agency, Water Drop Digital. With an extensive background in database design and creation, John has written programs for numerous small businesses and donated his time to complete several database programs for local nonprofits. In his free time, John is an avid scuba diver and enjoys being out on the water.
Sales ManagerBlake Bascherini
Blake Bascherini is the sales manager of NorthBay biz magazine. In addition to coordinating advertising for the magazine, Blake works with key clients for Amaturo Sonoma Media Group’s Waterdrop Digital advertising service.
Born and raised in Sonoma County, Blake attended Cardinal Newman High School and then the Santa Rosa Junior College before earning his degree at Mississippi Valley State, while playing football for the university as an offensive lineman. He has worked in marketing for 14 years and began working in publishing in 2013. Blake and his wife, Vanessa, have two young children, Landen and Leila.
EditorKaren Hart
Karen Hart is the editor of NorthBay biz magazine, keeping her finger on the pulse of the North Bay, directing content and leading day-to-day operations of the editorial team. An award-winning writer, Karen brings more than 30 years of experience to the position. She began writing on a freelance basis in 2011 for NorthBay biz, as well as numerous other North Bay publications.
Over the years, she’s written about wine, agriculture, tourism, real estate, tech, health care, insurance, interesting people, beautiful homes and once, she even had the opportunity to write about a fancy tree house. She assumed the role of editor of NorthBay biz in 2017. The mother of two grown sons, Karen lives in Sonoma County she is a member of the California Writers Club and serves on the Journalism Advisory Council at Santa Rosa Junior College.
Associate EditorLuke Straub
Luke Straub is the associate editor at NorthBay biz magazine, assisting the editor with all aspects of the publication. A fourth-generation Sonoma County native who’s always revered the news industry, Luke is enjoying a second career as a journalist after a 10-year run as an artisan baker, working at world-class bakeries and Michelin-starred restaurants.
His passion for current events persisted, however. After returning to Santa Rosa Junior College and earning an associates degree in journalism, Luke hit the local freelancing scene in 2017, leading to his role at NorthBay biz. He’s proud to report on the area his family calls home, and he also dabbles freelance sports writing, time permitting. For leisure, Luke enjoys fine wine, playing music, watching sports, reading and taking advantage of what the Bay Area offers in food and recreation.
Digital Media AssistantFrank Sumrall
Frank Sumrall is the digital media assistant to NorthBay biz magazine, editing and writing for the magazine, while working on the website. Originally from Mississippi, Frank grew up in Sonoma County and received his bachelor’s in journalism from San Francisco State University in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. There, he served as the managerial editor for the school’s newspaper, the Golden Gate Xpress.
Before joining NorthBay biz, he interned at The Press Democrat during the 2017 wildfires, for which the newspaper won a Pulitzer Prize for its coverage. Freelancing across a myriad of websites, mainly writing sports, Frank joined the NBB team in 2019 and has continued to work tirelessly in bringing the quality of the magazine to the website. When he’s not in the office, he’s working on the next great American novel on the shore of Clearlake with the company of his 13-year-old cat, Hobbes.
Design DirectorDavid Brawley
David Brawley spearheads the design and production of each monthly issue of NorthBay biz, as well as bonus issues. He also handles many of the marketing materials and some advertising.
Previously working at The Press Democrat for 15 years as a designer, David joined NorthBay biz in 2008 and has enjoyed designing the pages of the magazine each month for nearly 12 years. In his spare time, he is an illustrator, with some of his work on display at local establishments. He has two grown daughters who both live and work in Sonoma County.
Senior Graphic DesignerAnne Schenk
Anne Schenk is the senior graphic designer at NorthBay biz magazine, creating eye-catching advertisement designs, as well as many other functions to ensure the production department rolls along smoothly. She began working at the magazine in 2003, and is well versed in the vital operations of a business magazine.
Born and raised in Santa Rosa, she’s a genuine California girl, enjoying a passion in cycling, water sports, hiking and other activities, just as long as it’s outdoors. Gardening, art and enjoying her pets are her other interests. She also loves spending time with her three grandkids.
Marketing ConsultantLori Rooney
Lori Rooney is a marketing consultant with NorthBay biz, representing the magazine for more than a decade. A San Francisco native, Lori is well-known for her dedication to her clients and her ability to design successful advertising campaigns for any industry. What’s more, she’s committed to helping businesses get the most from their advertising budget—even if that means directing them to other outlets better suited to their needs.
Alongside her is Louee, a miniature bichon rescue who accompanies her at work every day, often roaming the office. She is vivacious, helpful, optimistic and a tireless promoter of Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce, where she serves on the board. She’s also a Certified Tourism Ambassador for both Sonoma County and San Francisco. When Lori is out of the office, her passion is dancing and local music.
PhotographerDuncan Garrett
Duncan Garrett has been capturing images for NorthBay biz magazine since 1987, working with the NBB team to provide the perfect photo for each project. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in photography at The London College of Printing in Great Britain and is an artist who thrives on variety and challenges.
Duncan notices the small details and is always open to new experiences. Most importantly, he understands the potential an image has to evoke a feeling and tell a story. In addition to his work at NorthBay biz, his other clients include numerous local businesses, including Hansel Motors, Seghesio Winery, American River Bank, Kaiser Hospital, Russian River Brewing, Moss Adams and more.
Vice President, Sales/Business DevelopmentKevin Wodlinger
Kevin Wodlinger is vice president of sales at Amaturo Sonoma Media Group and is also responsible for business development at NorthBay biz magazine. His passion for sales began early in life. Schlepping Burpee seeds in his Davenport, Iowa, neighborhood and writing his subscription-only newsletter provided enough income for his baseball card and comic book collection (the content wasn’t great, but the neighbors were generous.) At age 12, his interest in media expanded when his dad built WZZM TV in Grand Rapids, and he’s been in the broadcast business ever since.
In 2013, Kevin became local sales manager and later vice president of sales at Amaturo Sonoma Media Group. Kevin and his wife, Jennifer, love their life in Sonoma County and continue to spoil and indulge their 3-year-old Labradoodle, Ella.
President, Amaturo Sonoma Media GroupMichael O’Shea
Michael O’Shea is co-founder and president of Amaturo Sonoma Media Group, headquartered in Santa Rosa, and owner-operator of NorthBay biz magazine, as well as five radio stations serving the North Bay region.
In addition to his oversight of NorthBay biz, Michael has had a notable career in the broadcasting business. He is a member of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, a winner of the Puget Sound Radio Broadcasters Lifetime Achievement Award, and led KSRO Radio’s double Marconi Award-winning coverage of the North Bay wildfires in 2017. He is a licensed private pilot and volunteer docent at the Robert Ferguson Observatory.
