The vice presidency became vacant when Sharon Tuminski of the Winchester Sun moved into the office of president-elect earlier this year. That followed the resignation of David Greer, who would have been president-elect for 2002, but instead accepted a position at KPA as member services director.

Nelson first joined the board as chairman of its news editorial division. Two years later, he was elected to a seat on the board.

Managing editor of the Danville daily since January 1997, Nelson supervises an editorial staff of about 20. Before that, he was editor, publisher and co-owner of Pulaski Week in Somerset for 10 years. Previously, Nelson was editor of the Citizen Voice & Times in Irvine for two years.

Along the way, Nelson’s career took a detour from journalism from 1974 to about 1985. He spent more than 10 years with Southeast Coal Co. in Irvine. There he held a number of positions, including safety director. Among his duties were teaching first-aid courses and dealing with federal inspectors.

The experience in another field gave him a perspective that some editors don’t have, Nelson said. Eventually, he returned to college, finished his degree and then returned to journalism.

Why go back after being away more than a decade? Instability in the coal industry, Nelson said, led him back to his previous career. Besides, he said, “I still had ink in my blood.”

Over the years, Nelson has been active in civic affairs, including being president of the Bluegrass Private Industry Council 1984-86.

Nelson sees good days ahead for KPA. “I don’t think the organization has ever been any stronger,” he said.

He’s proud of KPA being only one of a handful of state press associations that can brag that every paper in the state is a member.

“Not many press associations can boast about 100 percent membership,” Nelson said. “It speaks highly of the organization and its leadership.”

Next year, Nelson will move into the president-elect position and then serve as KPA president in 2004.