Rainbolt selected as president of Oklahoma Press Association

Zonelle Rainbolt, executive editor of Wesner Publications, took office as president of the Oklahoma Press Association July 1.

OPA members elected Rainbolt during the annual business meeting at the June 10-11 OPA Convention in Oklahoma City. Rainbolt, who succeeds John Denny Montgomery as president, will serve a one-year term.

Rainbolt was first named to the OPA board of directors in 2017.

“I am a strong believer in a free, independent and accountable press,” Rainbolt said. “We have a responsibility to inform and must do that with accuracy and integrity. Our association is an integral partner in providing vital information to Oklahoma residents by supporting our member papers and providing them with some of the tools necessary to accomplish those tasks.”

Don Mecoy, managing editor of The Oklahoman, was elected vice president, and David Stringer, publisher of The Lawton Constitution, was elected treasurer. All officers will serve a one-year term.

John Denny Montgomery, co-publisher of The Purcell Register, will serve as immediate past president. Erin Dyer Thompson, advertising director of the El Reno Tribune, was elected as a new director for a three-year term and a threeyear director term for Sheila Gay, publisher of the Woodward News, was renewed. The appointment of Mark Codner, publisher of The Newcastle Pacer, to fulfill the final year of a three-year director term also was approved.

Other directors are Shauna Belyeu, general manager of The Eufaula Indian Journal; Suzie Campbell, publisher of the Countywide & Sun; and Misti Rinehart, advertising director for the Tulsa World.

With passage of revisions to OPA’s membership categories, Rainbolt said she “hopes to work this year to encourage our current members and provide information to publications, businesses and individuals who now qualify for OPA membership.”

Rainbolt, a longtime resident of Cordell, received a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Christian University and a Master’s of Education in Social Studies from The University of Oklahoma.

After working as a teacher, in the banking industry and as a small business owner, she joined the staff of The Cordell Beacon where she served as editor for more than 20 years. When she left that position, she was named executive editor for Wesner Publications, which owns the Beacon and several other newspapers, including the Bristow News.

Rainbolt, who is a mother and grandmother, is married to Charles, an attorney. They reside in Cordell.