Brad Simpson says farewell to PNA

Brad Simpson says farewell to PNA

After 19 years at PNA, MANSI Media and the PNA Foundation, I will move on at the close of business Friday. It has been my pleasure to work alongside some of the country’s best association staff members, many of whom will continue to carry the torch forward. It has also been my absolute honor to work for the news media industry and support the incredibly vital work that you provide to your communities.

To the staff, past and present, thank you for all that you do for the association and our industry. Much like the “all-hands-on-deck” mentality that has been prevalent since the first newspaper was printed hundreds of years ago, there’s never been one time that the staff of PNA, MANSI or the foundation was not ready, able and equipped to handle the issues and situations before it.

I am grateful to you, the members, for your support of all that we do on your behalf from Crums Mill Road, and I thank you for the work you do in and for your communities. During my four years as president, I had the privilege to travel around the commonwealth and visit the places you call home. From an outsider perspective, your importance to your respective communities was palpable. The days are long, the times are tough and getting tougher. Thank you for your passion, your fighting spirit, and your stubbornness to never give up.

When I started here nearly two decades ago, I thought of the newspaper as the place I went to read about my beloved Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and Penn State sports. But I leave here this week with ink in my blood. I will forever fight for how important a vital and free press is for our communities and our democracy.