Journalist, book author and manager shows leadership in Texas and national organization

A true Southern lady, Donna Hunt is always a friendly face at NFPW conferences. She is a dedicated member of both her Texas affiliate and the national organization. In her career as a journalist, she paved the way for women to follow. She is a gifted writer and editor. Her many skills and accomplishments led to her being as a national Communicator of Achievement in 1989 in Idaho. Meet this unique and unbelievable woman and friend.

Donna Hunt

Name: Donna Hunt

Hometown: Denison, Texas

Affiliate: I am affiliated with Press Women of Texas and have served as president twice and held most of the other offices. I was on the NFPW board and the Education Foundation board for a number of years and was chairman of POPPs for two years. I have been a member of NFPW and PWT since 1974 and received a 40 year certificate this year in South Carolina.

Tell us a little about you:

I am married to David Hunt, a retired brick contractor, and we have two sons, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. I began my career as a proofreader for the Sherman Democrat, then became “society” assistant, then society editor, then city editor in 1972, and promoted to editor, all of The Denison Herald in 1984. I was the first woman to hold that position. I resigned in 1994 to become manager of the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Park during an expansion period when a visitor center was added. I retired from the Birthplace in 2000 and have continued writing two columns a week for The Herald Democrat (the merged Sherman Democrat and Denison Herald), mostly history of my hometown and the area, since that time.

In 1989 I was named Communicator of Achievement by PWT and went on to NFPW to receive the National award in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. In 2000 I was one of two Texas members to be named Women of the Millenium. I’ve lost count of the number of NFPW conferences I have attended, but my first was in Biloxi, MS. I am a Texas life member and an Ann Faragher Sweepstakes winner. I have co-authored two books and am working on a third book that hopefully will be published in 2015.

Any advice to share?

Donna Hunt, left, receives the Communicator of Achievement Award in 1989 from Jean Wiley Huyler, 1988 COA and former NFPW president.

My advice for anyone starting a career in any field is to take every opportunity available to grow and learn all they can. NFPW is an excellent place to get involved.

I loved the career field that I have followed, but my only regret is that I didn’t continue my education and earn a degree. I was fortunate to be offered many opportunities for workshops, seminars and special courses to better prepare me. My mother always wanted me to be a lawyer like my uncle who was a long-time district judge, I didn’t have the desire to be a lawyer, but after he retired he became a writer like me. He was an amazing man.

If you could live anywhere, where would you live?

I have no thoughts of living anywhere except where I am today. My roots run deep here. My second choice would be Washington D.C. I love that city.

What book are you reading?

I am reading “A Place Called Harmony” by Jodi Thomas, a friend and a Texas writer who led a workshop at NFPW’s conference in Texas a few years ago.

What might people be surprised to learn about you?

It might surprise many to learn that if I was a little younger and could afford it, my sport of choice would be hot air ballooning. I went up one time and have been hooked ever since.

Why are NPFW and your affiliate important to you?

My affiliate and NFPW are important to me because of the wonderful friendships and the knowledge I have gained by attending conferences and seminars. I have been places and have seen things I never would have been or see without NFPW or PWT.

How can people follow you?

You can follow me on Facebook at History Gals of Denison,Texas (I am one of two “History Gals”), or by e-mail at d.hunt_903@yahoo.com.

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Tags: Communicator of Achievement, Donna Hunt, NFPW, Texas

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