Kniceley named Adam R. Kelly Premier Journalist for 2015

Kniceley — whose “outstanding career in the newspaper industry” was noted during the presentation —  has also served as publisher of Times West Virginian and as president of the WVPA and currently is a trustee for the WVPA Foundation, was presented the award at the close of the WVPA’s 2015 Convention Saturday in Charleston.

The Adam R. Kelly Premier Journalist Award is the most prestigious award presented by the West Virginia Press Association. The award was established in 1991 in memory of the late Adam R. Kelly, legendary “Country Editor” columnist and former owner and editor of the Tyler Star News in Sistersville. Kelly was known nationally for his outstanding service to newspapers.

WVPA Executive Director Don Smith said Kniceley was an example of excellence and “a shining star to which others gravitate,” adding the publisher was a leader, a thinker and a doers.

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin sent congratulations to Kniceley:  “I have known Andy for many years, and this award is well-deserved.  Andy is a true force in West Virginia media, and his passion to tell the news and to tell it right ‎is unwavering and well-respected ‎by his colleagues. He has truly blazed a trail with capturing West Virginia stories and communicating them eloquently to the world. ‎ Andy is my friend, but even Andy will tell you that he can be tough, at least when it comes to getting the story. Andy knows the community and he gets involved on the ground level. He really can tell you what folks are thinking. The truth is that Andy is fair but firm, and he always puts getting the facts first. Congratulations, Andy, on this outstanding achievement.”

A committee of past presidents of the Press Association selects the honoree from nominations made by journalists or other persons.

Kniceley’s wife, Tammy, his father, Ken Kniceley, mother-in-law Carla Weaver, and children Olivia, Samuel and Josh, along with other friends and family were on hand for the presentation.

Contact Don Smith, executive director of the West Virginia Press Association, 304-550-0454 with questions.