Stoddard selected 2009 Communicator of Achievement

Omaha World-Herald reporter Martha Stoddard (far left) was named the 2009 Nebraska Press Women Communicator of Achievement (COA) at the group's fall convention Oct. 3 in Gothenburg. Making the presentation was Cheryl Alberts Irwin.

Having received the state organization's highest honor, Stoddard will represent NPW at the national group's convention Aug. 26-28 in Chicago. An NPW member for 18 years, Stoddard has been active at the state level as vice president, treasurer and scholarship chair, and she is also a member of the National Federation of Press Women.

Stoddard has been a daily newspaper reporter since 1985. Currently operating out of the World-Herald's Lincoln Bureau, Stoddard keeps Nebraskans informed of issues regarding the state legislature and state services.

Stoddard previously worked for the Lincoln Journal Star where she covered health care, K-12 education, state government, the Nebraska Legislature, and higher education.

Stoddard graduated from Lincoln East High School, earned her bachelor's degree in international development from Earlham College in Richmond, Ind., and her masters degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

"She handles every task with professionalism and efficiency, and is who every editor would want as an employee," wrote one nominator. "The state's two largest dailies both wanted Martha," wrote another nominator, "and both got her."

Candidates for the Communicator of Achievment award are nominated by NPW members for exceptional achievment in the communications field, service to NPW/NFPW, and service to their community.