Lee Shappell

Lee Shappell

lshappell@iniusa.org

Meet Lee

Lee Shappell (last name rhymes with “apple”) joined Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA in March 2026, beginning his 50^th year in Valley journalism as opinions associate.

Community: Lee is a supporter of several causes and charities — including United Food Bank, PanCan (pancreatic cancer), Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden and The Phoenix Theatre Company.

Education: Proud University of Arizona Journalism School product.

Random Facts: Initial member of the Amphitheater High School 1,000-Mile Club (10 miles a day for 100 days) before most of the INI staff was born AND when handed the reins to Wrangler News before INI purchased it, as part of his makeover he commissioned a new horse logo that is still used in the Tempe Independent!

Hobbies: Golf: I’m not good but I love to get out. Consuming news on all platforms: I’m better at that. Dining out: I’m not a foodie but I know what I like. Live performing arts: Jazz and local theatre are fun. Donating to causes I believe in: It’s the least I can do. Backyard gardening/landscaping: I have a green-with-envy thumb.