Eliza Gaines, the publisher of WEHCO Newspapers, Inc., the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s parent company, was installed Friday as the newest president of the Arkansas Press Association.
The induction occurred during the organization’s honors banquet as part of its annual convention, which is taking place at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Little Rock.
Gaines, the daughter of former publisher Walter Hussman Jr., was elected unanimously by the association’s board of directors as its 145th president.
Her installation comes in the association’s 150th year of existence.
“I’m honored to represent an association that is still going strong after 150 years and whose motto is ‘Free Press, Free People,'” Gaines said in an emailed response to questions. “I’ve seen firsthand the association’s commitment to government transparency and the sustainability of newspapers across the state.”
Gaines is the association’s 10th female president.
Her election marks the first time that three women have served as the president in three consecutive years.
