Ethan P.

He/Him

Communications Manager – Corporate Communications 

Hi, my name is Ethan, and I’m a Communications Manager at USA TODAY Co. I help tell our company’s story through both internal and external communications, working alongside an incredible team to connect people with the work we do every day. And this is me, InFocus.  

Career Reflections: Talk about your career journey at USA TODAY Co.

I started my journey at USA TODAY Co. as a Communications Coordinator in May 2024 and was promoted to Communications Manager in July 2025. As a coordinator, I focused on supporting communications initiatives and learning as much as I could about the business. Today, I have more ownership over projects and strategy, including managing our corporate social media channels. One of the biggest breakthrough moments for me was being trusted with that responsibility. It allows me to stay creative, think strategically, and constantly challenge myself with new ideas while helping elevate our brand.  

A big part of my growth has been the support I’ve received from my manager, Heather. She’s been an incredible mentor who has taught me so much about communications, public relations, and the industry as a whole. Her guidance has helped shape both my confidence and my career.   

At the heart of our Communications and PR team is an important mission: promoting our journalism and promoting our brand. Every day, we get to highlight the outstanding work happening within our company.  

In the Balance: What’s one self-care habit or routine that works for you? 

One self-care habit I consistently prioritize is going to the gym. Even on days when I can only fit in a quick workout or some cardio, it helps clear my mind and reset my perspective. I always leave feeling better than when I walked in.  

More broadly, I think prioritizing your health is incredibly important. For me, that means staying active and spending quality time with friends and family. Those moments outside of work help me recharge and bring my best self back to work each day.  

I’m also fortunate to be part of a team that genuinely supports one another. Whether someone is spending time with family, handling something important, or simply needs a helping hand, we’re always willing to step in and support each other. That sense of care and trust is what makes me feel supported.  

Beyond the Desk: What’s something about you your coworkers might not know? 

One of the many things people might not know about me is that I’m obsessed with airplanes. Whenever I travel, I’m usually just as excited about the airport and the flight itself as I am about reaching the destination. My immediate team definitely knows this about me, but it’s probably a surprise to most others.  

Outside of that, I love movies and art. I talk about movies with my team all the time because they’re such an important cultural touchpoint for me. I’m constantly drawing inspiration from film, photography, and other forms of creative expression. They help me see things from different perspectives and often spark ideas I can bring into my work.  

Thrive – Learning & Growth: What’s a moment where you realized you had grown —and what changed for you after that? 

I realized how much I had grown when I received my promotion to Communications Manager. It was a meaningful moment because it showed me that my team trusted me and believed in my ability to take on greater responsibility. That confidence from others helped strengthen my confidence in myself, and it reinforced that I was making a meaningful impact. Since then, I’ve felt more empowered to contribute ideas, take initiative, and continue growing in my career.  

#TeamUSATODAY: What makes you proud to work at USA TODAY Co.? 

The work happening across this company is truly inspiring. Every day, I get to see the dedication, creativity, and passion that people bring to their roles. I’ve never worked alongside a group of people who care so deeply about what they do, and that commitment motivates me to do my best work as well. Being part of an organization that makes such an impact is something I’m incredibly proud of.  

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