The Youngstown Press Club established the Hall of Fame to celebrate members of our local communication, media and advertising community who have had long and distinguished careers.
Nominees for the Hall of Fame must have a minimum of 20 years professional media experience including journalism, public relations, advertising and/or writing, and must have made notable contributions in the Mahoning Valley media markets.
Hall of Fame honorees are inducted at the Youngstown Press Club's Hall of Fame and Awards Dinner annually. This year's dinner will be Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2027, at Stambaugh Auditorium.
Now, meet the members of the Youngstown Press Club Hall of Fame:
Nominees for the Hall of Fame must have a minimum of 20 years professional media experience including journalism, public relations, advertising and/or writing, and must have made notable contributions in the Mahoning Valley media markets.
Hall of Fame honorees are inducted at the Youngstown Press Club's Hall of Fame and Awards Dinner annually. This year's dinner will be Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2027, at Stambaugh Auditorium.
Now, meet the members of the Youngstown Press Club Hall of Fame:
Mona Alexander
Inducted in 2024
Inducted in 2024
Mona Alexander’s interest in journalism dates back to weekly trips to the corner newsstand with her Dad to pick up the “ten pounds of paper” her family would spend Sundays reading. She grew up in Chicago, in a family keenly interested in current events and a city where politics is a spectator sport.
Following her graduation from Northern Illinois University, Mona took her newly minted journalism degrees and moved to Youngstown. She started her career at WKBN where she reported on the economic impact of the closing of the valley’s steel mills, city and county government, politics and public corruption.
In 1997, Mona was offered the position of news director at WFMJ. There she rebuilt the news department from the bottom up with an emphasis on hard news and in-depth reporting. In addition to adding new newscasts, Mona started an investigative unit and launched “Feed Our Valley,” which raises money and food donations for Second Harvest Food Bank each year.
Mona is a deep believer in objective, in-depth, hard news reporting as a way of serving the community by empowering its citizens with information they can trust.
Mona and her husband of many years, Joe Henderson, enjoy traveling and spending time with their “pet babies.”
Following her graduation from Northern Illinois University, Mona took her newly minted journalism degrees and moved to Youngstown. She started her career at WKBN where she reported on the economic impact of the closing of the valley’s steel mills, city and county government, politics and public corruption.
In 1997, Mona was offered the position of news director at WFMJ. There she rebuilt the news department from the bottom up with an emphasis on hard news and in-depth reporting. In addition to adding new newscasts, Mona started an investigative unit and launched “Feed Our Valley,” which raises money and food donations for Second Harvest Food Bank each year.
Mona is a deep believer in objective, in-depth, hard news reporting as a way of serving the community by empowering its citizens with information they can trust.
Mona and her husband of many years, Joe Henderson, enjoy traveling and spending time with their “pet babies.”
Balph R. "Boots" Bell
Inducted posthumously in 2026
Inducted posthumously in 2026
Ralph Ross Bellito, known on the air as Boots Bell, was born in Cleveland in 1933 and was a disabled veteran of the Korean War.
His first radio job was at WBUZ - a small station in western New York. When Myron Jones, WHOT's co-founder, heard Bell, he recommended him for a job at WHOT.
There, as a member of a group of disc jockeys known as "The Good Guys," Bell appeared at numerous remote broadcasts. WHOT Day, where fledgling bands performed, was a highlight at Idora Park each summer.
Bell's upbeat personality and larger-than-life persona enabled him to move into TV as well in the mid-1960s. He was the host of "Dance Party" and a talk show titled "What Generation Gap?," both on WYTV Channel 33.
Besides WHOT, Bell had stints on other Mahoning Valley radio stations, including WGFT and WNIO, and helped start CD-106 - The Wolf.
In the mid-1970s, he began teaching broadcasting and advertising at Youngstown State University, where his classes became so popular that students not enrolled in them would listen in from the hallway.
Bell died in July 1993.
His first radio job was at WBUZ - a small station in western New York. When Myron Jones, WHOT's co-founder, heard Bell, he recommended him for a job at WHOT.
There, as a member of a group of disc jockeys known as "The Good Guys," Bell appeared at numerous remote broadcasts. WHOT Day, where fledgling bands performed, was a highlight at Idora Park each summer.
Bell's upbeat personality and larger-than-life persona enabled him to move into TV as well in the mid-1960s. He was the host of "Dance Party" and a talk show titled "What Generation Gap?," both on WYTV Channel 33.
Besides WHOT, Bell had stints on other Mahoning Valley radio stations, including WGFT and WNIO, and helped start CD-106 - The Wolf.
In the mid-1970s, he began teaching broadcasting and advertising at Youngstown State University, where his classes became so popular that students not enrolled in them would listen in from the hallway.
Bell died in July 1993.
Bob Black
Inducted posthumously in 2021
Inducted posthumously in 2021
Bob Black's interest in broadcasting began as a teenager when he was an announcer for WEDA-FM radio in Grove City, Pa. While attending Penn State University he continued working as an announcer and news editor at the college radio station WDFM.
Black first worked as a Grove City Junior High School teacher for nine years after college until he scored a job in journalism in 1978 as a part-time weekend sports announcer WKBN-TV. He was named anchor of WKBN-TV News at Noon in 1979, anchoring the show for 17 years until 1996 when the station was sold. In 1997 he was hired by WFMJ-TV and became co-anchor of their 6 P.M. and 11 P.M. newscasts until his retirement in 2015.
Black received three Cleveland Emmy Awards as well as various accolades for his coverage of Congressman James Traficant; of political corruption in the Valley; of General Motors Lordstown plant; and of the United Autoworkers Union among many other important topics. He continued contributing even after his retirement in 2015 with coverage of the 2016 Presidential election while serving on the 21 News political team.
Black died in 2017.
Black first worked as a Grove City Junior High School teacher for nine years after college until he scored a job in journalism in 1978 as a part-time weekend sports announcer WKBN-TV. He was named anchor of WKBN-TV News at Noon in 1979, anchoring the show for 17 years until 1996 when the station was sold. In 1997 he was hired by WFMJ-TV and became co-anchor of their 6 P.M. and 11 P.M. newscasts until his retirement in 2015.
Black received three Cleveland Emmy Awards as well as various accolades for his coverage of Congressman James Traficant; of political corruption in the Valley; of General Motors Lordstown plant; and of the United Autoworkers Union among many other important topics. He continued contributing even after his retirement in 2015 with coverage of the 2016 Presidential election while serving on the 21 News political team.
Black died in 2017.
Stan Boney
Inducted in 2021
Inducted in 2021
Stan Boney is a 40-year-plus veteran of television news in Youngstown, joining WKBN-27 First News in 2015 after 36 years with 33-WYTV. He was born and raised in Findlay, Ohio and is a graduate of Ohio University.
After a brief stint in Dayton, Boney arrived in Youngstown in 1979 and began his career at 33-WYTV. His first job at 33-WYTV was as the weekend sports anchor, later covering Trumbull County. In 1981, he took over weather duties, a position he held for 30 years. In 2008, Boney became the co-anchor of 33-WYTV News, and in 2011 he moved on from his weather job after being named anchor of the 33-WYTV News at 5:30, 6 and 11 P.M.
His enthusiasm for writing and story-telling is evident through his coverage of major news such as Lordstown’s closing, local and national politics, and of hundreds of human-interest stories.
After a brief stint in Dayton, Boney arrived in Youngstown in 1979 and began his career at 33-WYTV. His first job at 33-WYTV was as the weekend sports anchor, later covering Trumbull County. In 1981, he took over weather duties, a position he held for 30 years. In 2008, Boney became the co-anchor of 33-WYTV News, and in 2011 he moved on from his weather job after being named anchor of the 33-WYTV News at 5:30, 6 and 11 P.M.
His enthusiasm for writing and story-telling is evident through his coverage of major news such as Lordstown’s closing, local and national politics, and of hundreds of human-interest stories.
Simeon Booker
Media Pioneer
Inducted posthumously in 2026
Media Pioneer
Inducted posthumously in 2026
Growing up in Youngstown, Simeon Booker's first publication was a four-line poem in The Vindicator. In high school, he was sports editor of the Buckeye Review, Youngstown's small Black weekly.
Booker reported for the Baltimore Afro American and the Cleveland Call and Post before winning a Harvard Neiman Fellowship and becoming the first black reporter at The Washington Post.
He was also a syndicated radio commentator for Westinghouse Broadcasting.
As Washington bureau chief and White House correspondent for Jet and Ebony magazines for more than 50 years, he became known as the "Dean of the Black Press."
His coverage of the 1955 murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till in Mississippi and the subsequent trial are among the most famous pieces of civil rights era journalism.
Booker, who died in 2017 at the age of 99, is the author of "Shocking the Conscience: A Reporter's Account of the Civil Rights Movement," published in 2013 by the University of Mississippi Press. Booker received an honorary doctorate degree from Youngstown State University in 2013.
The Simeon Booker Award for Courage has been given annually since 2016 during Ohio Nonviolence Week in Youngstown.
Booker reported for the Baltimore Afro American and the Cleveland Call and Post before winning a Harvard Neiman Fellowship and becoming the first black reporter at The Washington Post.
He was also a syndicated radio commentator for Westinghouse Broadcasting.
As Washington bureau chief and White House correspondent for Jet and Ebony magazines for more than 50 years, he became known as the "Dean of the Black Press."
His coverage of the 1955 murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till in Mississippi and the subsequent trial are among the most famous pieces of civil rights era journalism.
Booker, who died in 2017 at the age of 99, is the author of "Shocking the Conscience: A Reporter's Account of the Civil Rights Movement," published in 2013 by the University of Mississippi Press. Booker received an honorary doctorate degree from Youngstown State University in 2013.
The Simeon Booker Award for Courage has been given annually since 2016 during Ohio Nonviolence Week in Youngstown.
Ernie Brown
Inducted in 2022
Inducted in 2022
Ernie Brown is best known for his tenure as the regional editor for The Vindicator, Ohio’s eighth-largest daily newspaper, from 1986 to 2019, and as a reporter from 1976 to 1985. Before his decades-long service to Vindicator readers, Ernie was a junior high English teacher and adult basic education teacher with the Youngstown Board of Education, a student intern and general assignment radio reporter with WTVN Radio in Columbus, and a summer employee in the former forestry division of Ohio Edison, now FirstEnergy, in the early 70s.
An honors graduate of Youngstown’s East High School in 1970, Ernie went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Ohio State University in 1974 and, a year later, he earned a teaching certificate in English for grades seven through 12 from Youngstown State University.
Ernie has always been a community service-minded, serving as the former publicity co-chair for the Youngstown Chapter of the United Negro College Fund. He is also a former publicity co-chairman of the Youngstown Area March for Jesus, board member of the Youngstown Urban Minority Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Outreach Program (YUMADAOP), president of the William Swanston Charitable Fund board and member of Rising Star Baptist Church in Youngstown where her also serves as an elder.
Honored in 2016 by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Psi Omicron Chapter as its Person of the Year, Ernie has been honored by numerous other groups in the Valley, including Delta Sigma Theta Youngstown Alumnae Chapter for political awareness and involvement in 2015. He was named honorary co-chair of the first African-American Male Wellness Walk/Run and honored in 2012 for community service by the Ebony Lifeline Support Group.
Ernie and his wife, Cherrie (Ellis) have two children, Kevin M. Brown and Erin A. Brown. In his pastime, Ernie enjoys reading, golf, fantasy sports, listening to gospel music and smooth jazz.
An honors graduate of Youngstown’s East High School in 1970, Ernie went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Ohio State University in 1974 and, a year later, he earned a teaching certificate in English for grades seven through 12 from Youngstown State University.
Ernie has always been a community service-minded, serving as the former publicity co-chair for the Youngstown Chapter of the United Negro College Fund. He is also a former publicity co-chairman of the Youngstown Area March for Jesus, board member of the Youngstown Urban Minority Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Outreach Program (YUMADAOP), president of the William Swanston Charitable Fund board and member of Rising Star Baptist Church in Youngstown where her also serves as an elder.
Honored in 2016 by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Psi Omicron Chapter as its Person of the Year, Ernie has been honored by numerous other groups in the Valley, including Delta Sigma Theta Youngstown Alumnae Chapter for political awareness and involvement in 2015. He was named honorary co-chair of the first African-American Male Wellness Walk/Run and honored in 2012 for community service by the Ebony Lifeline Support Group.
Ernie and his wife, Cherrie (Ellis) have two children, Kevin M. Brown and Erin A. Brown. In his pastime, Ernie enjoys reading, golf, fantasy sports, listening to gospel music and smooth jazz.
Marie Cartwright
Inducted in 2025
A graduate of Canfield High School, Marie Cartwright received her bachelor's degree in journalism and marketing with a minor in political science from Kent State University.
After four years at Childress Public Relations in Youngstown, she became public relations and advertising director for the largest men's formal wear wholesaler and retailer east of the Mississippi River, which was also based in Youngstown.
In 1985, she became public relations director for the Edward J. DeBartolo Corp. and later was promoted to vice president of corporate communications for DeBartolo Properties Management Inc.
In 1996, Cartwright joined Glimcher Realty Corp. in Columbus - another mall and community center developer - as vice president of corporate communications.
She worked as a consultant for many years with Revak & Associates and served from 1991-2013 as a board member of a local community bank.
Cartwright was a trustee of the Cardinal Joint Fire District from 2006-20 and has been a Canfield Township trustee since 2010.
She has received the Athena Award, the YWCA Woman of the Year Award, several Paul Harris Rotary Fellowships and other honors.
After four years at Childress Public Relations in Youngstown, she became public relations and advertising director for the largest men's formal wear wholesaler and retailer east of the Mississippi River, which was also based in Youngstown.
In 1985, she became public relations director for the Edward J. DeBartolo Corp. and later was promoted to vice president of corporate communications for DeBartolo Properties Management Inc.
In 1996, Cartwright joined Glimcher Realty Corp. in Columbus - another mall and community center developer - as vice president of corporate communications.
She worked as a consultant for many years with Revak & Associates and served from 1991-2013 as a board member of a local community bank.
Cartwright was a trustee of the Cardinal Joint Fire District from 2006-20 and has been a Canfield Township trustee since 2010.
She has received the Athena Award, the YWCA Woman of the Year Award, several Paul Harris Rotary Fellowships and other honors.
William Fleckenstein
Inducted posthumously in 2024
Inducted posthumously in 2024
William Fleckenstein was the co-founder, co-owner and general manager of legendary Youngstown radio station WHOT.
Bill was born Eugene William Fleckenstein in 1924 in the small borough of Reynoldsville, Pa., near DuBois. Before he entered first grade, his family moved to Sharon where his passion for broadcasting was sparked by watching the construction of WPIC-AM as a teenager. Electronics and broadcast engineering became his world.
Bill earned his FCC first class broadcast engineer’s license and was hired at WFMJ-AM in Youngstown where he met fellow engineer and kindred soul Myron Jones. They both dreamed of radio station ownership and acted on it by leaving WFMJ in 1951 to successfully launch WJET-AM in Erie, Pa.
Four years later, Bill, then 31, and Myron squeezed another AM station into the already full Youngstown market. By licensing it to adjacent Campbell, WHOT was born and hit the air in October 1955.
As one of only three stations in the country with a “top 40” pop music format, WHOT was an immediate hit, and disc jockeys like “Boots” Bell, Johnny Kay, Dick Thompson, and Jerry Starr became household names.
Bill’s commitment to strong local news coverage was reflected in a staff that often had six reporters. Three decades later when relaxed regulations phased out many radio station news departments, Bill’s news and information commitment remained firm.
Bill remained as general manager at the station he co-founded and co-owned until his retirement in 1989. He died in Fort Lauderdale in 2023 just two weeks shy of his 99th birthday.
Bill was born Eugene William Fleckenstein in 1924 in the small borough of Reynoldsville, Pa., near DuBois. Before he entered first grade, his family moved to Sharon where his passion for broadcasting was sparked by watching the construction of WPIC-AM as a teenager. Electronics and broadcast engineering became his world.
Bill earned his FCC first class broadcast engineer’s license and was hired at WFMJ-AM in Youngstown where he met fellow engineer and kindred soul Myron Jones. They both dreamed of radio station ownership and acted on it by leaving WFMJ in 1951 to successfully launch WJET-AM in Erie, Pa.
Four years later, Bill, then 31, and Myron squeezed another AM station into the already full Youngstown market. By licensing it to adjacent Campbell, WHOT was born and hit the air in October 1955.
As one of only three stations in the country with a “top 40” pop music format, WHOT was an immediate hit, and disc jockeys like “Boots” Bell, Johnny Kay, Dick Thompson, and Jerry Starr became household names.
Bill’s commitment to strong local news coverage was reflected in a staff that often had six reporters. Three decades later when relaxed regulations phased out many radio station news departments, Bill’s news and information commitment remained firm.
Bill remained as general manager at the station he co-founded and co-owned until his retirement in 1989. He died in Fort Lauderdale in 2023 just two weeks shy of his 99th birthday.
Peter "Pete" Gabriel
Inducted posthumously in 2022
Inducted posthumously in 2022
Peter “Pete” Gabriel’s broadcasting career began in the Armed Forces Radio and Television, while serving as an air policeman in the Azores. He was honorably discharged in 1959.
His radio career progressed through various stations in Pennsylvania, Columbus, Ohio, and Kansas City before settling in Youngstown, Ohio in 1978 with WKBN and the Williamson family.
His more than 26-year career with 570 WKBN included introducing the talk radio format to the valley in 1984, hiring some of the best-known voices to Youngstown (Dan Ryan, Dan Rivers, Ron Verb and Rich Morgan) while serving as operations manager. “Pete” also created one of the first mobile radio stations, Rollin’ Radio.
Pete loved his career, working many formats before stepping into the world of talk radio, where he was known for his friendly laughter and compassionate approach to callers. He enjoyed being involved in projects that benefited his community. One of his greatest community accomplishments was creating The Mahoning Valley St. Patrick’s Day Parade, now entering its 45th year.
He received many awards and recognition throughout his career including an induction into the Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1996. He retired from WKBN and WNIO in 2005, completing 48 years in radio broadcasting, radio management and advertising sales.
“Pete always exceeded expectations,” said Dan Rivers, 570 WKBN Talk Host. “He was great on the radio, but his best attribute may have been his calling as a personnel director. Pete was the manager that closed the deal to bring Dan Ryan to WKBN. Ryan was a staple on WBBW, but Pete convinced him to join the staff of WKBN. One hire changed the trajectory of the station.”
Pete passed away in August 2021. He is survived by his wife Sandy, three children, Wynne (Steve) Coleman, David (Missy) Gabriel and Lori (Mike) McGlone; five grandchildren, Gabby and Catie Coleman, and Jack, Maggie, and Michael McGlone.
His radio career progressed through various stations in Pennsylvania, Columbus, Ohio, and Kansas City before settling in Youngstown, Ohio in 1978 with WKBN and the Williamson family.
His more than 26-year career with 570 WKBN included introducing the talk radio format to the valley in 1984, hiring some of the best-known voices to Youngstown (Dan Ryan, Dan Rivers, Ron Verb and Rich Morgan) while serving as operations manager. “Pete” also created one of the first mobile radio stations, Rollin’ Radio.
Pete loved his career, working many formats before stepping into the world of talk radio, where he was known for his friendly laughter and compassionate approach to callers. He enjoyed being involved in projects that benefited his community. One of his greatest community accomplishments was creating The Mahoning Valley St. Patrick’s Day Parade, now entering its 45th year.
He received many awards and recognition throughout his career including an induction into the Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1996. He retired from WKBN and WNIO in 2005, completing 48 years in radio broadcasting, radio management and advertising sales.
“Pete always exceeded expectations,” said Dan Rivers, 570 WKBN Talk Host. “He was great on the radio, but his best attribute may have been his calling as a personnel director. Pete was the manager that closed the deal to bring Dan Ryan to WKBN. Ryan was a staple on WBBW, but Pete convinced him to join the staff of WKBN. One hire changed the trajectory of the station.”
Pete passed away in August 2021. He is survived by his wife Sandy, three children, Wynne (Steve) Coleman, David (Missy) Gabriel and Lori (Mike) McGlone; five grandchildren, Gabby and Catie Coleman, and Jack, Maggie, and Michael McGlone.
Helen Hart Hurlbert
Media Pioneer
Inducted posthumously in 2026
Media Pioneer
Inducted posthumously in 2026
For more than half a century, Helen Hart Hurlbert was one of the few female executives in a male-dominated Mahoning Valley media landscape.
Having become publisher of the Warren Tribune Chronicle in 1936, she shaped not only one of Ohio's oldest daily newspapers, but also the civic identity of an entire region through eras of prosperity, upheaval and transformation.
She inherited the publisher's chair from her mother, Zell Hart Deming, one of the country's earliest female newspaper executives.
Hurlbert modernized the newspaper's operations, expanded its reporting capacity and maintained its independence, using it to promote economic development, public welfare and community institutions.
In 1952, she became a cross-platform media executive when she bought WRRN radio and changed its call letters to WHHH to match her initials.
In acquiring the radio station, she extended the newspaper's civic mission onto the airwaves by providing local news, public service programming and community bulletins.
In 1979, Hurlbert retired with the title of publisher, as her daughter, Zell Draz, became the newspaper's associate publisher.
Hurlbert died in 1987 at the age of 94.
Having become publisher of the Warren Tribune Chronicle in 1936, she shaped not only one of Ohio's oldest daily newspapers, but also the civic identity of an entire region through eras of prosperity, upheaval and transformation.
She inherited the publisher's chair from her mother, Zell Hart Deming, one of the country's earliest female newspaper executives.
Hurlbert modernized the newspaper's operations, expanded its reporting capacity and maintained its independence, using it to promote economic development, public welfare and community institutions.
In 1952, she became a cross-platform media executive when she bought WRRN radio and changed its call letters to WHHH to match her initials.
In acquiring the radio station, she extended the newspaper's civic mission onto the airwaves by providing local news, public service programming and community bulletins.
In 1979, Hurlbert retired with the title of publisher, as her daughter, Zell Draz, became the newspaper's associate publisher.
Hurlbert died in 1987 at the age of 94.
Tom Holden
Inducted posthumously in 2022
Inducted posthumously in 2022
After whetting his appetite for broadcast news with radio news at WBBW Youngstown, Tom Holden joined WKBN-TV in 1972 as a reporter. He was named an anchor in 1974. From the 1970s until the early 2000s, Tom was the Valley’s media equivalent of Walter Cronkite. Welcomed into local homes every weeknight at six and eleven, Tom was the anchor most people turned to with confidence for news about their world.
His ratings were legendary. Tom was credible, respected and valued. His special series on the mob in the Mahoning Valley was so popular people clamored to purchase copies.
When the industry evolved to recognize the importance of female anchors, Tom welcomed the addition of his longtime co-anchor, Gina Marinelli. In fact, he and Marinelli were the longest-running team in Valley media history.
He wasn’t just esteemed by those who knew him from WKBN News, or earlier stints at local radio stations WBBW and WHOT. Those privileged to call Tom a coworker, mentor, teacher and friend still lament his untimely passing in June 2005 at age 67.
According to his colleagues and students, Tom “was the most charming man most of us ever met. He was the most famous person most of us knew intimately, but he never acted like he was above anyone.”
“Many of us met Tom at Youngstown State University, where for decades he was a favorite adjunct broadcast journalism professor,” said Michele Gatts, Tricia Perry and Marinelli in a letter to the selection committee.
An Army veteran, Tom had offers from bigger markets for bigger jobs. But he was a native son — a graduate of Wilson High School and Kent State University – who loved the Mahoning Valley. While people and companies may have abandoned the Valley, Tom did not. His levity and leadership helped the Valley navigate good times and bad.
His most important and favorite job was being the beloved dad to three sons. “Even if we didn’t see them often, we felt as if we knew Sean, Kevin and Tommy well because Tom spoke of them with joy,” his nominators wrote.
His ratings were legendary. Tom was credible, respected and valued. His special series on the mob in the Mahoning Valley was so popular people clamored to purchase copies.
When the industry evolved to recognize the importance of female anchors, Tom welcomed the addition of his longtime co-anchor, Gina Marinelli. In fact, he and Marinelli were the longest-running team in Valley media history.
He wasn’t just esteemed by those who knew him from WKBN News, or earlier stints at local radio stations WBBW and WHOT. Those privileged to call Tom a coworker, mentor, teacher and friend still lament his untimely passing in June 2005 at age 67.
According to his colleagues and students, Tom “was the most charming man most of us ever met. He was the most famous person most of us knew intimately, but he never acted like he was above anyone.”
“Many of us met Tom at Youngstown State University, where for decades he was a favorite adjunct broadcast journalism professor,” said Michele Gatts, Tricia Perry and Marinelli in a letter to the selection committee.
An Army veteran, Tom had offers from bigger markets for bigger jobs. But he was a native son — a graduate of Wilson High School and Kent State University – who loved the Mahoning Valley. While people and companies may have abandoned the Valley, Tom did not. His levity and leadership helped the Valley navigate good times and bad.
His most important and favorite job was being the beloved dad to three sons. “Even if we didn’t see them often, we felt as if we knew Sean, Kevin and Tommy well because Tom spoke of them with joy,” his nominators wrote.
Paul Jagnow
Inducted posthumously in 2025
Inducted posthumously in 2025
Paul C. Jagnow was a Vindicator staffer for more than 46 years.
A hard-nosed newsroom leader, he is widely credited with driving dramatic improvements to the newspaper's coverage and design, even as the paper was challenged by an inexorable erosion of industry economics.
A graduate of Ravenna High School, Jagnow attended Youngstown University, where he was chief photographer and city editor of the student newspaper - The Jambar.
At the same time, he worked nights and weekends for The Vindicator, compiling box scores for the sports pages and doing other odd jobs.
He joined the newspaper's full-time staff in 1960 and went on to become a reporter, assistant state editor, city desk rewrite man, assistant city editor and city editor before being named managing editor for news in 1986.
Under his leadership, the paper kept a laser focus on the mob, with unflinching coverage of the indictments and convictions that effectively represented the mob's last gasp as a powerful force in the Mahoning Valley. In doing so, the paper amassed numerous awards.
Jagnow, who married Vindicator publisher Betty J.H. Brown in 1986, retired in 2006 and died in 2017.
A hard-nosed newsroom leader, he is widely credited with driving dramatic improvements to the newspaper's coverage and design, even as the paper was challenged by an inexorable erosion of industry economics.
A graduate of Ravenna High School, Jagnow attended Youngstown University, where he was chief photographer and city editor of the student newspaper - The Jambar.
At the same time, he worked nights and weekends for The Vindicator, compiling box scores for the sports pages and doing other odd jobs.
He joined the newspaper's full-time staff in 1960 and went on to become a reporter, assistant state editor, city desk rewrite man, assistant city editor and city editor before being named managing editor for news in 1986.
Under his leadership, the paper kept a laser focus on the mob, with unflinching coverage of the indictments and convictions that effectively represented the mob's last gasp as a powerful force in the Mahoning Valley. In doing so, the paper amassed numerous awards.
Jagnow, who married Vindicator publisher Betty J.H. Brown in 1986, retired in 2006 and died in 2017.
Bill Lewis
Inducted in 2024
Inducted in 2024
In a career spanning more than 40 years, Bill Lewis documented the life and times of the Mahoning Valley. His photographs reflected the trials, tribulations and triumphs of area residents.
Lewis graduated from Kent State University with a bachelor of arts degree in Journalism, and started his career in 1978 as a staff photographer at The Tribune Chronicle in Warren, the place he was born and raised. In 1985 he went to work for The Vindicator in Youngstown, where he remained a staff photographer until the paper’s closure in 2019.
As a member of the photo staff at both publications, Lewis produced images daily for any stories that came along, including sports, crime, breaking news and his favorite -- human interest.
Lewis was always touched by people who were willing to share their stories with him and he, in turn, shared those stories with the newspapers’ readers. Having regular everyday folks invite him and his camera into their lives was ”a great honor and responsibility.”
In four decades, Lewis covered every president from Jimmy Carter to Donald Trump. He documented many major events in the Mahoning Valley from the demise of the steel industry to the Canfield Fair. The world of photography changed dramatically over those decades. It went from film cameras and negatives to digital cameras and images sent over the internet.
Lewis won many awards throughout his career including the Ohio Associated Press Best Photographer 2008, Ohio Associated Press Best Online Photojournalist 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, Best Photo Essay 2012, 2014 and Best Sports Photo 2013.
In retirement, Lewis continues to follow his interest in photography by making images of Lake Erie from his sailboat Assignment. He also is a musician playing in the folk music group County Mayo Irish Band.
Lewis graduated from Kent State University with a bachelor of arts degree in Journalism, and started his career in 1978 as a staff photographer at The Tribune Chronicle in Warren, the place he was born and raised. In 1985 he went to work for The Vindicator in Youngstown, where he remained a staff photographer until the paper’s closure in 2019.
As a member of the photo staff at both publications, Lewis produced images daily for any stories that came along, including sports, crime, breaking news and his favorite -- human interest.
Lewis was always touched by people who were willing to share their stories with him and he, in turn, shared those stories with the newspapers’ readers. Having regular everyday folks invite him and his camera into their lives was ”a great honor and responsibility.”
In four decades, Lewis covered every president from Jimmy Carter to Donald Trump. He documented many major events in the Mahoning Valley from the demise of the steel industry to the Canfield Fair. The world of photography changed dramatically over those decades. It went from film cameras and negatives to digital cameras and images sent over the internet.
Lewis won many awards throughout his career including the Ohio Associated Press Best Photographer 2008, Ohio Associated Press Best Online Photojournalist 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, Best Photo Essay 2012, 2014 and Best Sports Photo 2013.
In retirement, Lewis continues to follow his interest in photography by making images of Lake Erie from his sailboat Assignment. He also is a musician playing in the folk music group County Mayo Irish Band.
Emily Webster Love
Inducted in 2023
Inducted in 2023
Emily Webster Love began her newspaper career in 1968, when she was hired as a reporter for The Vindicator after graduating from The Ohio State University. One of the few female reporters on staff, she helped to blaze the trail for other women in journalism in the Mahoning Valley.
As a Vindicator reporter, she worked at the paper's Warren bureau and became known as a stand-out feature writer.
Following 17 years at The Vindicator, Emily worked as a freelance writer, local magazine editor and public relations associate, and started her own weekly newspaper in Cortland. She worked at the Tribune Chronicle as a feature writer, columnist and copy editor, then was named executive editor of the Town Crier weekly newspapers. For several years she was a copy editor at USA TODAY in Washington, D.C.
She is the author of books on local history and continues to report and write for a weekly newspaper in Virginia. An avid horsewoman, she lives in Kinsman.
As a Vindicator reporter, she worked at the paper's Warren bureau and became known as a stand-out feature writer.
Following 17 years at The Vindicator, Emily worked as a freelance writer, local magazine editor and public relations associate, and started her own weekly newspaper in Cortland. She worked at the Tribune Chronicle as a feature writer, columnist and copy editor, then was named executive editor of the Town Crier weekly newspapers. For several years she was a copy editor at USA TODAY in Washington, D.C.
She is the author of books on local history and continues to report and write for a weekly newspaper in Virginia. An avid horsewoman, she lives in Kinsman.
Dennis B. Mangan
Inducted in 2023
Inducted in 2023
Dennis Mangan held the roles of reporter, assistant state editor, Trumbull editor, assistant city editor and city editor at The Vindicator. But it was the role of editorial page editor, a position he held for nearly 25 years, that was the capstone of his career.
Dennis was born in Pittsburgh and attended Youngstown State University, where he caught the journalism bug and “majored in Jambar.” He was a reporter for the Hubbard News and then the Niles Daily Times. In 1971, he began his 41-year career with The Vindicator.
As editorial page editor, Dennis worked hard to keep the editorial pages independent from the rest of the newsroom. During his tenure, the paper won many awards for its editorial page. In the ‘90s, the paper won more awards for editorials than any other paper in its category in Ohio. Dennis individually won numerous awards for his editorial writing.
He retired in 2013.
Dennis was born in Pittsburgh and attended Youngstown State University, where he caught the journalism bug and “majored in Jambar.” He was a reporter for the Hubbard News and then the Niles Daily Times. In 1971, he began his 41-year career with The Vindicator.
As editorial page editor, Dennis worked hard to keep the editorial pages independent from the rest of the newsroom. During his tenure, the paper won many awards for its editorial page. In the ‘90s, the paper won more awards for editorials than any other paper in its category in Ohio. Dennis individually won numerous awards for his editorial writing.
He retired in 2013.
Carolyn Martindale
Inducted posthumously in 2026
Inducted posthumously in 2026
Carolyn Martindale received bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from Kent State University, and, early in her career, worked in communications roles with the United Presbyterian Church and the New York State Public Affairs Committee.
She was a general assignment reporter and an entertainment writer at The Youngstown Vindicator before joining Youngstown State University, where she was the faculty advisor to the student newspaper - The Jambar - for 15 years.
Through The Jambar and the journalism classes she taught, she helped to shape a generation of reporters, editors and communicators working in the Mahoning Valley and far beyond.
In addition, hundreds of high school students participated in the YSU Press Day events she organized, which featured local media members as speakers and seminar leaders.
Martindale wrote numerous books and academic papers focused on how minorities were unjustly covered by the media during the civil rights movement, including her 1986 book titled "White Press and Black America."
In 1985, YSU honored her with a distinguished professor award for excellence in teaching, research and scholarship.
Martindale retired from the university in 1996 and died in 2017.
She was a general assignment reporter and an entertainment writer at The Youngstown Vindicator before joining Youngstown State University, where she was the faculty advisor to the student newspaper - The Jambar - for 15 years.
Through The Jambar and the journalism classes she taught, she helped to shape a generation of reporters, editors and communicators working in the Mahoning Valley and far beyond.
In addition, hundreds of high school students participated in the YSU Press Day events she organized, which featured local media members as speakers and seminar leaders.
Martindale wrote numerous books and academic papers focused on how minorities were unjustly covered by the media during the civil rights movement, including her 1986 book titled "White Press and Black America."
In 1985, YSU honored her with a distinguished professor award for excellence in teaching, research and scholarship.
Martindale retired from the university in 1996 and died in 2017.
John Nagy
Inducted posthumously in 2025
Inducted posthumously in 2025
For four decades, thousands of northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania residents listened every morning to John Nagy's local newscasts.
Nagy delivered morning drive-time news on WKBN radio with an authoritative and unmistakable broadcast voice.
A dedicated professional journalist, Nagy began his WKBN workdays at 2:30 a.m. to prepare for his newscasts, which started at 5:30 a.m.
He had an encyclopedic knowledge of the Mahoning and Shenango valleys and their news sources.
A graduate of Warren G. Harding High School, Nagy attended Kent State University and began his career as a disc jockey at WPIC radio in Sharon.
He later became a disc jockey and newscaster at WHHH radio in Warren before becoming a news reporter, anchor and news director at WKBN radio.
Nagy, who died in 2020, was a member of the Associated Press Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
Nagy delivered morning drive-time news on WKBN radio with an authoritative and unmistakable broadcast voice.
A dedicated professional journalist, Nagy began his WKBN workdays at 2:30 a.m. to prepare for his newscasts, which started at 5:30 a.m.
He had an encyclopedic knowledge of the Mahoning and Shenango valleys and their news sources.
A graduate of Warren G. Harding High School, Nagy attended Kent State University and began his career as a disc jockey at WPIC radio in Sharon.
He later became a disc jockey and newscaster at WHHH radio in Warren before becoming a news reporter, anchor and news director at WKBN radio.
Nagy, who died in 2020, was a member of the Associated Press Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
Mark Niquette
Inducted in 2026
Inducted in 2026
Niquette has been a reporter covering government, politics and the economy for more than 35 years.
He began his career at The Vindicator, where one of his earliest assignments was helping to cover the 1991 murder of reputed mob boss Joseph "Joey" Naples.
A year later, Niquette became the paper's politics writer, covering investigations into public corruption and organized crime, the fall of former U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr., local and state elections and presidential candidate visits to the Mahoning Valley.
After a brief time at The Akron Beacon Journal, he worked for 10 years at The Dispatch in Columbus, where he covered business, state-level politics and government and presidential elections in Ohio.
At Bloomberg News, Niquette has covered national breaking news, municipal finance and state government, presidential and midterm elections, and the intersection of the economy, government and politics.
A native of Kaukauna, Wis., Niquette earned a bachelor's degree in history from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis. He and his wife, Lisa, former Vindicator business editor, live in Upper Arlington, Ohio.
He began his career at The Vindicator, where one of his earliest assignments was helping to cover the 1991 murder of reputed mob boss Joseph "Joey" Naples.
A year later, Niquette became the paper's politics writer, covering investigations into public corruption and organized crime, the fall of former U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr., local and state elections and presidential candidate visits to the Mahoning Valley.
After a brief time at The Akron Beacon Journal, he worked for 10 years at The Dispatch in Columbus, where he covered business, state-level politics and government and presidential elections in Ohio.
At Bloomberg News, Niquette has covered national breaking news, municipal finance and state government, presidential and midterm elections, and the intersection of the economy, government and politics.
A native of Kaukauna, Wis., Niquette earned a bachelor's degree in history from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis. He and his wife, Lisa, former Vindicator business editor, live in Upper Arlington, Ohio.
Dan O'Brien
Inducted in 2026
Inducted in 2026
Dan O'Brien has been writing and drawing about Mahoning Valley business and politics for 39 years for The Business Journal.
A Youngstown native, who attended Ursuline High School, he received bachelor's and master's degrees in history from Youngstown State University.
As a YSU undergraduate, O'Brien landed his first newspaper job as the resident political cartoonist at The Business Journal, taking on his most famous and favorite subject, U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr.
His cartoons and caricatures have also appeared in The Plain Dealer, the Washington Monthly, and numerous editions of Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year.
In 1998, O'Brien became a full-time staff reporter at The Business Journal, where he covers advanced manufacturing, the automotive and oil and gas industries, and state and local government.
He has received three first place Ohio excellence in journalism awards from the Press Club of Cleveland.
He is an adjunct history instructor at YSU and the Kent State University Trumbull Campus.
O'Brien and his wife, Michelle, live in Youngstown near their two sons and two grandchildren.
A Youngstown native, who attended Ursuline High School, he received bachelor's and master's degrees in history from Youngstown State University.
As a YSU undergraduate, O'Brien landed his first newspaper job as the resident political cartoonist at The Business Journal, taking on his most famous and favorite subject, U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr.
His cartoons and caricatures have also appeared in The Plain Dealer, the Washington Monthly, and numerous editions of Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year.
In 1998, O'Brien became a full-time staff reporter at The Business Journal, where he covers advanced manufacturing, the automotive and oil and gas industries, and state and local government.
He has received three first place Ohio excellence in journalism awards from the Press Club of Cleveland.
He is an adjunct history instructor at YSU and the Kent State University Trumbull Campus.
O'Brien and his wife, Michelle, live in Youngstown near their two sons and two grandchildren.
Tony Paglia
Inducted in 2025
Inducted in 2025
Tony Paglia is retired after having spent more than 40 years in community journalism and media and government relations.
A graduate of Lincoln High School in Ellwood City, Pa., he received his bachelor's degree in journalism from Duquesne University.
His first job after college was as a reporter and political writer for The Sharon Herald.
For four years, he was press secretary for U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Vigorito, a Niles native who represented northwestern Pennsylvania.
Paglia followed that with a 30-year career as a reporter, bureau chief, Trumbull County editor and senior regional editor at The Vindicator.
He rounded out his career as vice president of government and media relations for the Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber.
He is president-elect of the Youngstown Press Club and serves on the board of directors of the St. John XXIII Nursing Home in Hermitage, Pa.
Paglia resides in Hermitage.
He and his wife, Rhonda, have three children and eight grandchildren.
A graduate of Lincoln High School in Ellwood City, Pa., he received his bachelor's degree in journalism from Duquesne University.
His first job after college was as a reporter and political writer for The Sharon Herald.
For four years, he was press secretary for U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Vigorito, a Niles native who represented northwestern Pennsylvania.
Paglia followed that with a 30-year career as a reporter, bureau chief, Trumbull County editor and senior regional editor at The Vindicator.
He rounded out his career as vice president of government and media relations for the Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber.
He is president-elect of the Youngstown Press Club and serves on the board of directors of the St. John XXIII Nursing Home in Hermitage, Pa.
Paglia resides in Hermitage.
He and his wife, Rhonda, have three children and eight grandchildren.
Ann Przelomski
Inducted posthumously in 2023
Inducted posthumously in 2023
Anastasia Nemenyi Przelomski’s career at The Vindicator spanned 46 years, from 1942 to 1988.
Ann, who held a bachelor of arts degree from Youngstown College and a master’s in education from the University of Pittsburgh, was a science teacher at South High School and Hayes Junior High.
She joined The Vindicator as a summer intern and eventually became its first woman assistant city editor, first woman city editor and first woman managing editor. In 1986, after 10 years as managing editor, she took the role of managing editor - community relations. She retired in 1988.
Ann was inducted into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame and was a member of and received awards from dozens of community and state organizations, serving on the boards of many of them. She was a trustee of the Youngstown State University Alumni Association.
She died in 2001.
Ann, who held a bachelor of arts degree from Youngstown College and a master’s in education from the University of Pittsburgh, was a science teacher at South High School and Hayes Junior High.
She joined The Vindicator as a summer intern and eventually became its first woman assistant city editor, first woman city editor and first woman managing editor. In 1986, after 10 years as managing editor, she took the role of managing editor - community relations. She retired in 1988.
Ann was inducted into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame and was a member of and received awards from dozens of community and state organizations, serving on the boards of many of them. She was a trustee of the Youngstown State University Alumni Association.
She died in 2001.
Gerry Ricciutti
Inducted in 2023
Inducted in 2023
Gerry Ricciutti has been an icon of local television news here for 35 years. Born in Baltimore and raised in Sharpsville, Pa., Gerry attended Youngstown State University and received his bachelor's degree in political science from Pennsylvania State University in 1982.
He started his career in radio, including three years at Y-103, and moved to TV news in 1988, first with WYTV 33 News and then with WKBN 27.
Gerry is “The Voice of the Canfield Pride Band” and is a lector with St. Michael Parish in Canfield. An avid cook, he has been involved with Men Who Cook and the Boardman Optimist Chili Cook Off.
He and his wife have two adult daughters.
He started his career in radio, including three years at Y-103, and moved to TV news in 1988, first with WYTV 33 News and then with WKBN 27.
Gerry is “The Voice of the Canfield Pride Band” and is a lector with St. Michael Parish in Canfield. An avid cook, he has been involved with Men Who Cook and the Boardman Optimist Chili Cook Off.
He and his wife have two adult daughters.
Nick Rich
Inducted in 2024
Inducted in 2024
Nick Rich was born in New Castle, Pa., and received a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting and film from Temple University, where he worked on several documentaries at the university.
He began his news videographer career in 1975 at WYTV, where he worked for 32 years. Nick was instrumental at WYTV in creating an archiving system that preserved thousands of news stories. In 2007, Nick began working at WKBN when the two stations merged.
Over those 49 years, Nick covered most major news events in Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Mercer and Lawrence counties, starting with the steel mill closings in the 1970s and most recently the Realty building explosion in downtown Youngstown.
He has received news awards from the Associated Press, the Press Club of Cleveland, the Radio Television Digital News Association’s National Edward R Murrow Award and recently received a Regional Emmy from the Central Great Lakes Chapter.
Nick currently resides in Neshannock Township, Pa. He is a member of the Holy Spirit Parish and enjoys fishing, golf, hanging out with family and friends and listening to music. He is a contributor to The Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation and Meals on Wheels.
He began his news videographer career in 1975 at WYTV, where he worked for 32 years. Nick was instrumental at WYTV in creating an archiving system that preserved thousands of news stories. In 2007, Nick began working at WKBN when the two stations merged.
Over those 49 years, Nick covered most major news events in Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Mercer and Lawrence counties, starting with the steel mill closings in the 1970s and most recently the Realty building explosion in downtown Youngstown.
He has received news awards from the Associated Press, the Press Club of Cleveland, the Radio Television Digital News Association’s National Edward R Murrow Award and recently received a Regional Emmy from the Central Great Lakes Chapter.
Nick currently resides in Neshannock Township, Pa. He is a member of the Holy Spirit Parish and enjoys fishing, golf, hanging out with family and friends and listening to music. He is a contributor to The Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation and Meals on Wheels.
Len Rome
Inducted in 2024
Inducted in 2024
As a new freshman at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Len Rome had no major when, on a whim, he walked into the campus radio station. He was instantly hooked: News writing, news reading, disc jockey work . . . it was all there. He found himself skipping the occasional class to play radio announcer.
By the time he graduated with a degree in radio and TV broadcasting, Rome, a Pittsburgh native, had put several years of work into the campus station (WDUQ) plus weekends at WEIF, the top 40 rock and roll station in Moundsville, W. Va. It was only a Greyhound bus ride away and he would go anywhere to be on the air. The day after graduation, he was at work at WKJF, a Pittsburgh easy listening station, at 6 in the morning.
But what he really wanted was a job in TV news. So he rented studio time to put together an “air check” and mailed copies to TV news directors around the country. His efforts landed him a job at WSEE in Erie, Pa., as the 11 o’clock anchor.
After two of the coldest and snowiest winters in Erie, he was off to anchor WFBC in sunny Greenville, SC. From there he went to WAKR in Akron and finally to WYTV in Youngstown, where he has been for 40 years, raising a family, on the air as reporter and anchor, and "livin' the dream.”
By the time he graduated with a degree in radio and TV broadcasting, Rome, a Pittsburgh native, had put several years of work into the campus station (WDUQ) plus weekends at WEIF, the top 40 rock and roll station in Moundsville, W. Va. It was only a Greyhound bus ride away and he would go anywhere to be on the air. The day after graduation, he was at work at WKJF, a Pittsburgh easy listening station, at 6 in the morning.
But what he really wanted was a job in TV news. So he rented studio time to put together an “air check” and mailed copies to TV news directors around the country. His efforts landed him a job at WSEE in Erie, Pa., as the 11 o’clock anchor.
After two of the coldest and snowiest winters in Erie, he was off to anchor WFBC in sunny Greenville, SC. From there he went to WAKR in Akron and finally to WYTV in Youngstown, where he has been for 40 years, raising a family, on the air as reporter and anchor, and "livin' the dream.”
Lisa Solley
Inducted in 2025
Inducted in 2025
Lisa Solley's interest in journalism began as a child when she played reporter. She graduated from Youngstown State University, where she was editor of the student newspaper - The Jambar.
Solley joined the Tribune Chronicle on a part-time basis in 1986 to type bowling scores, later becoming that paper's first female sports reporter. She was a page designer at The Vindicator before returning to the Tribune Chronicle, mainly covering police and courts.
Solley won a dozen awards in news, sports, features and column-writing, including a national award for a series on interpersonal violence. By the time she left the Tribune Chronicle in 2010, she was its managing editor.
She continued her career as director of communications at Area Agency on Aging 11. She coordinated local and state Senior Olympics. In 2011, she received Help Hotline's Star Fish Award for community service.
Solley, who resides in Niles, returned to journalism for a short stint at the Business Journal before retiring in 2021.
Solley joined the Tribune Chronicle on a part-time basis in 1986 to type bowling scores, later becoming that paper's first female sports reporter. She was a page designer at The Vindicator before returning to the Tribune Chronicle, mainly covering police and courts.
Solley won a dozen awards in news, sports, features and column-writing, including a national award for a series on interpersonal violence. By the time she left the Tribune Chronicle in 2010, she was its managing editor.
She continued her career as director of communications at Area Agency on Aging 11. She coordinated local and state Senior Olympics. In 2011, she received Help Hotline's Star Fish Award for community service.
Solley, who resides in Niles, returned to journalism for a short stint at the Business Journal before retiring in 2021.
Warren P. Williamson
Media Pioneer
Inducted posthumously in 2026
Media Pioneer
Inducted posthumously in 2026
Warren P. Williamson, who became founder and chairman of WKBN Broadcasting Corp., cultivated his interest in radio as a 17-year-old wireless operator with the Army Signal Corps, who was stationed in Texas near the Mexican border during World War I.
Thinking that establishing a radio station would help a radio repair business he was engaged in, Williamson founded the Mahoning Valley's first radio station - WKBN, whose first broadcast emanated from his Auburndale Avenue house on Sept. 26, 1926.
The station established a studio at the Youngstown YMCA by the following year and moved to its Sunset Boulevard building in 1952.
WKBN established the Valley's first FM station in 1947.
WKBN-TV - the Valley's first television station - began transmitting in 1953, and became the first Youngstown station to use videotape in 1959. Color TV broadcasting began there in 1965.
Williamson served for 27 years on the Youngstown Board of Education and was a member and director of the South Side Merchants and Civic Association.
Aside from being a civic leader, he was also a generous philanthropist, donating $1.9 million to Youngstown State University, whose business college is named in his honor. The university bestowed an honorary doctorate on him in 1990.
Williamson died in 1996 at the age of 96.
In 2006, his family gave YSU an additional $5 million for construction of a new building for the university's business college.
Thinking that establishing a radio station would help a radio repair business he was engaged in, Williamson founded the Mahoning Valley's first radio station - WKBN, whose first broadcast emanated from his Auburndale Avenue house on Sept. 26, 1926.
The station established a studio at the Youngstown YMCA by the following year and moved to its Sunset Boulevard building in 1952.
WKBN established the Valley's first FM station in 1947.
WKBN-TV - the Valley's first television station - began transmitting in 1953, and became the first Youngstown station to use videotape in 1959. Color TV broadcasting began there in 1965.
Williamson served for 27 years on the Youngstown Board of Education and was a member and director of the South Side Merchants and Civic Association.
Aside from being a civic leader, he was also a generous philanthropist, donating $1.9 million to Youngstown State University, whose business college is named in his honor. The university bestowed an honorary doctorate on him in 1990.
Williamson died in 1996 at the age of 96.
In 2006, his family gave YSU an additional $5 million for construction of a new building for the university's business college.
Andrea Wood
Inducted in 2022
Inducted in 2022
Andrea Wood was born and raised in Pittsburgh and earned a B.A. in political science from Penn State University. In 1974, she became the first newswoman at WYTV Channel 33 in Youngstown when she was hired as a reporter and weekend anchor.
She went on to work as a news anchor, producer and reporter at WSBT-TV in South Bend, Ind., and WPGH-TV in Pittsburgh. In 1979, she returned to WYTV as an investigative reporter and subsequently was promoted to chief anchor and executive producer. Her 1979 documentary and continuing coverage about the disappearance of a 21-year-old Youngstown woman, Joanne Coughlin, earned awards for investigative reporting from the Ohio Associated Press Award and the Cleveland Press Club.
In August 1984, at the height of the steel industry’s demise in the Youngstown/Warren region, Andrea transitioned from broadcasting and co-founded the Youngstown Business Journal. As the bi-monthly newspaper expanded coverage to the five-county region, its name was modified to The Business Journal.
In 1996, the newspaper began publishing daily updates at BusinessJournalDaily.com. And in 2009, as The Business Journal celebrated its 25th anniversary, Andrea added a webcast, the Daily BUZZ, to the website. Diverse social media news platforms followed and today the news stories and videos posted on Facebook, LinkedIn and other channels extend The Business Journal’s reach – and positive voice from the Mahoning Valley – worldwide.
Andrea is the chair and president of The Youngstown Publishing Co. and Publisher of The Business Journal.
Throughout her career, she has served on numerous boards including the Citizens League of Greater Youngstown, League of Women Voters, Crime Stoppers of Greater Youngstown and the Workforce Investment Board of Mahoning and Columbiana Counties. Today she is secretary of the YMCA of Youngstown board of trustees.
She resides in Poland, Ohio, with her husband, Dennis LaRue.
She went on to work as a news anchor, producer and reporter at WSBT-TV in South Bend, Ind., and WPGH-TV in Pittsburgh. In 1979, she returned to WYTV as an investigative reporter and subsequently was promoted to chief anchor and executive producer. Her 1979 documentary and continuing coverage about the disappearance of a 21-year-old Youngstown woman, Joanne Coughlin, earned awards for investigative reporting from the Ohio Associated Press Award and the Cleveland Press Club.
In August 1984, at the height of the steel industry’s demise in the Youngstown/Warren region, Andrea transitioned from broadcasting and co-founded the Youngstown Business Journal. As the bi-monthly newspaper expanded coverage to the five-county region, its name was modified to The Business Journal.
In 1996, the newspaper began publishing daily updates at BusinessJournalDaily.com. And in 2009, as The Business Journal celebrated its 25th anniversary, Andrea added a webcast, the Daily BUZZ, to the website. Diverse social media news platforms followed and today the news stories and videos posted on Facebook, LinkedIn and other channels extend The Business Journal’s reach – and positive voice from the Mahoning Valley – worldwide.
Andrea is the chair and president of The Youngstown Publishing Co. and Publisher of The Business Journal.
Throughout her career, she has served on numerous boards including the Citizens League of Greater Youngstown, League of Women Voters, Crime Stoppers of Greater Youngstown and the Workforce Investment Board of Mahoning and Columbiana Counties. Today she is secretary of the YMCA of Youngstown board of trustees.
She resides in Poland, Ohio, with her husband, Dennis LaRue.
Bob Yosay
Inducted in 2026
Inducted in 2026
A 1971 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Bob Yosay received a bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University in 1975.
As a boy, he delivered about 90 daily and Sunday newspapers for nearly five years.
What began as a paper route grew into a life-long connection to newspapers, journalism and photography.
As a college student, Yosay had summer jobs in The Vindicator's composing room and photography department. He was a full-time Vindicator staff photographer from 1976 to 2019, having been promoted to chief photographer in 1990.
Yosay called The Vindicator a family-like organization dedicated to outstanding journalism and community service, where he learned from some of the best professionals and proudly worked for 43 years.
Yosay and his wife, Janet, have three children and four grandchildren.
As a boy, he delivered about 90 daily and Sunday newspapers for nearly five years.
What began as a paper route grew into a life-long connection to newspapers, journalism and photography.
As a college student, Yosay had summer jobs in The Vindicator's composing room and photography department. He was a full-time Vindicator staff photographer from 1976 to 2019, having been promoted to chief photographer in 1990.
Yosay called The Vindicator a family-like organization dedicated to outstanding journalism and community service, where he learned from some of the best professionals and proudly worked for 43 years.
Yosay and his wife, Janet, have three children and four grandchildren.
Ralph Zerbonia
Inducted in 2021
Inducted in 2021
For 47 years, Youngstown native Ralph R. Zerbonia has been an entrepreneur and start-up launch specialist, starting numerous new media companies in the Valley.
While working as a stockbroker he founded the Youngstown Publishing Company and in 1984 founded and became the first publisher of The Youngstown Business Journal. In 1995 he began cboss, an early internet services and programming company. They operated one of the first news aggregation sites in the state. With cboss and his consulting company Universe Central Corp they arranged for the Mahoning County Board of Elections to become the first site of election results being published live ever. cboss also created OPLATES which became the world’s largest registrar of vehicle plates.
Having retired, he decided he didn’t like it, so he quit and is now working with Microsoft virtual reality technologies.
While working as a stockbroker he founded the Youngstown Publishing Company and in 1984 founded and became the first publisher of The Youngstown Business Journal. In 1995 he began cboss, an early internet services and programming company. They operated one of the first news aggregation sites in the state. With cboss and his consulting company Universe Central Corp they arranged for the Mahoning County Board of Elections to become the first site of election results being published live ever. cboss also created OPLATES which became the world’s largest registrar of vehicle plates.
Having retired, he decided he didn’t like it, so he quit and is now working with Microsoft virtual reality technologies.
