Lyndell N. Williams
Texas Press Association hired Lyndell N. Williams as executive vice president, effective April 1, 1974. He served in that capacity until June 30, 1998. His leadership propelled Texas Press Association to rank highly among the nation’s state press associations.
Williams came to Texas Press Association after serving 13 years as assistant manager of the Oklahoma Press Association, learning the ropes from his friend and mentor, OPA chief executive Ben Blackstock.
When Williams started with Texas Press, the association was $35,000 in debt. Under his management, the debt was soon retired and cash reserves multiplied until the association’s fiscal strength made it one of the healthiest state press associations.
Williams was a high-energy idea man and scrupulous manager who did much to improve the association’s array of member services. He initiated the annual trade show, advertising short courses, news-writing clinics and accounting seminars. His idea of providing computer training for the staff of member newspapers continued to expand after his retirement. Among his more notable legislative accomplishments were the repeal and prevention of taxes on advertising and circulation in the 1980s.
A 1950 graduate of Oklahoma University, Williams put his bachelor’s degree in business administration with minors in marketing and economics right to work at the Holdenville (Okla.) Daily News, where he was named news editor and later assistant publisher.
In 1961, he resigned to join Oklahoma Press Association. Prior to college, Williams served in World War II in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, 87th Infantry Division. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge and other ground operations in the European Theater. He was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in action. He died Jan. 2, 2008, in Oklahoma City.