Dr. William H. Lee [whlee(at)sacobserver.com]
Publisher, THE OBSERVER Media Group

A leader in the Sacramento community, and indeed throughout the nation, Dr. William H. Lee, founder and publisher of THE OBSERVER Newspapers, continues to exceed audiences’ expectations in providing high quality publications and media services for African American audiences in the markets served by THE OBSERVER.

Dr. William H. Lee

Dr. Lee’s publications, the weekly OBSERVER newspaper as well as many of THE OBSERVER’S special editions, are recognized as the most stylish and educational publications published anywhere. THE OBSERVER, recognized as “The Most Honored Black Newspaper in America,” has received the coveted John B. Russwurm Trophy, the highest award in Black journalism, six times — more than any other Black newspaper in the nation.

Dr. Lee’s leadership in journalism is legendary. He is the founding president of the West Coast Black Publishers Association, serving a total of nine years as its leader; he has served as a board member and longtime officer of the National Newspaper Publishers Association; he has been privileged to serve as a juror for Pulitzer Prize judging in newspaper journalism; he now assists the California Newspaper Awards in judging top journalistic works in the state. He belongs to, and has helped to form, a whole host of professional journalism organizations.

Dr. Lee is also a highly recognized businessman. A former successful real estate broker and developer, he has served and continues to serve, in a number of boards for major firms and corporations, including the multi-billion dollar Blue Cross of California; the Methodist Hospital in Sacramento; the advisory board for the Wells Fargo Bank and the former Home Savings; and chair of the former Superior Valley Small Business Development Corporation.

Of his many, many community service roles, Dr. Lee says his greatest joy has come from serving as chair of the statewide Governor-appointed Dr. Martin Luther King Commission, which helped to lead California to ultimately establishing the MLK holiday.

Dr. Lee’s local and national honors and tributes number into the hundreds. They line the offices of THE OBSERVER, dating back to the founding of THE OBSERVER in 1962. He was recently honored by the 100 Black Men, Inc.; the American Leadership Forum, as an "exemplary leader," and the recipient of the late Congressman Bob Matsui Award for distinguished community service.

The pioneering publisher is married to Kathryn C. Lee. The Lees have three sons (one deceased).

Updated: 06.14.05