FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2026
Contact:
Phil Lucey, Executive Director
North Carolina Press Association
phil@ncpress.com
CARY, N.C. – Justin Smith, publisher of The News Reporter, has been elected president of the North Carolina Press Association (NCPA). Smith was elected by his industry peers during the association’s 153rd annual convention, held September 10 in Cary.
Smith succeeds Morgan Harper, editor of The State Port Pilot in Southport, who now serves as NCPA past president.
“Justin brings a strong commitment to community journalism and to the newspapers and news organizations serving communities across North Carolina,” said NCPA Executive Director Phil Lucey. “We look forward to his leadership as NCPA continues its work to advocate for our members, protect the public’s right to know and strengthen journalism throughout the state.”
Also elected to NCPA leadership were Scott Champion of Champion Media, vice president; Nicole Stockdale, executive editor of The News & Observer, secretary-treasurer of the NCPA; and Nancy Baker of Paxton Media, serving as secretary-treasurer of the NCPS
New members elected to the NCPA board include Katie Murphy of Lee Enterprises, vice president of sales NC Media Group; Trey Fowler, digital director for Adams MultiMedia; David Woronoff, publisher of The Pilot; and Afrique Kilimanjaro of the Carolina Peacemaker.
The association’s two newspaper divisions also selected new leadership. Matt Leclercq, editor of The Charlotte Observer, was elected president of NCPA’s Associated Dailies, while Kelly Snow, Publisher/Editor of the Roxboro Courier-Times, was elected president of the Association of Community Newspapers.
The new officers and board members were elected at NCPA’s annual business meeting during the 153rd annual convention. A full list of board members, including continuing positions, is available HERE.
Founded in 1873, the North Carolina Press Association represents newspapers and news organizations across North Carolina. NCPA advocates for First Amendment freedoms, open government, and the public’s right to know while providing advocacy, education, training, and other services that support strong, independent journalism and the communities its members serve.
###