During his time with the Punch Sulzberger Program, Randy Brandt was editor of The Journal Times, a 30,000-circulation daily, 32,000-Sunday circulation newspaper in Racine, WI, owned by Lee Enterprises. Brandt has served as editor and managing editor at several newspapers, including the South County Journal in Kent, WA; the Chronicle Tribune in Marion, IN; the Norwich Bulletin in Connecticut; and the Merced Sun-Star in California. Earlier roles include city editor and associate editor at The Daily Journal in Vineland, NJ; staff writer, copy editor, columnist and bureau chief with The Press of Atlantic City; and staff writer at the Vineland Times Journal, also in his native New Jersey.

Brandt has a master's of science degree in Management-Leadership from Thomas A. Edison State College in New Jersey, where he also earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Social-Science-History. He is a member of Phi Alpha Theta, recognizing conspicuous scholarship in the field of history. Brandt also has completed several leadership-management training programs in the industry, including Gannett’s Senior Editor Management Program, Lee Enterprises’ Executive Leadership Program and the American Press Institute’s Executive Development Program for community publishers. He attended the American Society of Newspaper Editors' Journalism Values Institute and The Columbia University Workshops on Journalism, Race & Ethnicity. He is the recipient of many state, regional and national journalism awards and has written or been featured in a number of articles on readership and newsroom management issues for The American Editor, Press Time and Editor & Publisher. Brandt is president of the Wisconsin AP Editors Association and serves on the Diversity Committee and Readership Committee for the American Society of Newspaper Editors.