Mike Gulledge
Mike Gulledge began a successful 36-year media and communications career with Lee Enterprises beginning as an intern at the Southern Illinoisan during his last semester at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. Mike was hired immediately after graduation and during his career with Lee Enterprises served in the following leadership roles: General Manager, Publisher, Group Publisher, Operating Vice-President, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for Lee Enterprises and a Corporate Officer. As an Operating Vice-President Mike’s responsibilities included supervision of operations in the following twelve states: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Additionally, as a Vice-President, he was responsible for the implementation a multitude of companywide initiatives.
During a recovery from a surprise, life-changing quadruple bypass in July 2018 Mike decided to leave Lee Enterprises at the end of the calendar year and launch Gulledge Consulting, LLC.
Beginning in January 2019, Mike has been fortunate to provide consulting services for these terrific clients: Carroll College, Billings Clinic, University of Montana, Tim Fox for Governor Campaign, City of Billings, Montana Newspaper Association and Pediment Publishing.
After relocating to in Montana in 2001, Mike served on numerous boards including, the Billings Area Chamber of Commerce, Montana State University-Billings Foundation, Rocky Mountain College Board of Trustees, St. Vincent Healthcare, Zoo Montana, and the Montana Meth Project. During his entire career Mike has focused on community initiatives focusing on improving quality of life for all citizens.
Mike has a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University and has attended several leadership development education opportunities throughout his career including programs at Northwestern University and the University of Michigan.
Mike and his wife Susan have one son, Michael. Their son recently married Shelby Towe and they are both attorneys in Missoula, Montana. Mike and Susan spend half of the year on Flathead Lake in Montana and the remaining months in Arizona.