NNA honors three during convention

Jul 8, 2014

COLUMBIA, MO—Jeff David, Elizabeth Parker and Derek Sawvell were honored during the National Newspaper Association’s 128th Annual Convention & Trade Show, when they were presented with the 2014 Amos, McKinney and Phillips awards, respectively.

Recognized as the highest and most dignified tributes in community journalism, the Amos and McKinney Awards are presented to a working or retired newspaperman and woman who have provided distinguished service and leadership to the community press and their community. NNA established the Phillips Award in 2007 to honor Daniel Morris “Dan” Phillips, an award-winning writer, photographer and assistant publisher of the Oxford (MS) Eagle, who died in 2005 at the age of 47. This award is presented to an individual between 23-40 years old who is well respected in his or her community, of good reputation and integrity, provides active leadership in the newspaper industry and is active in his or her state press association and community and whose newspaper is a member of NNA.

David is the publisher of the Livingston Parish News in Denham Springs, LA, and a past NNA president. He received the Amos Award.

The Amos Award was established in 1938 in honor of Gen. James O. Amos, a pioneer Ohio journalist and member of the National Editorial Association—now known as the National Newspaper Association.

David was nominated by former NNA President Bob Sweeney, publisher of Villager Newspapers in Greenwood Village, CO.

Parker, co-publisher and executive editor of the New Jersey Hills Media Group in Bernardsville, NJ, received the 2014 Emma C. McKinney Award. This award was established in 1966 to honor Emma C. McKinney, co-publisher and editor of the Hillsboro (OR) Argus for 58 years. She was dean of Oregon newspapermen and women in 1954 and was inducted into the Oregon Journalism Hall of Fame in 1982.

Parker was nominated by George White, executive director of the New Jersey Press Association.

Sawvell is managing editor for the Wilton-Durant Advocate News in Wilton, IA.

Sawvell, who was nominated by Bill Tubbs, publisher of the North Scott Press in Eldridge, IL, was the sixth recipient of the Daniel M. Phillips Leadership Award.

The awards were presented at the business luncheon, Oct. 4, 2014, which was held during NNA’s Annual Convention & Trade Show in San Antonio, TX.