David Woronoff, publisher of The Pilot, was elected president of the North Carolina Press Association at a luncheon Thursday.

Woronoff takes office in July.

He becomes the fourth generation of his family to serve in that capacity, after his great-grandfather, Josephus Daniels; his grandfather, Frank Daniels Sr.; and his uncle, Frank Daniels Jr.

Woronoff's predecessor at The Pilot, former Editor and Publisher Sam Ragan, served as NCPA president in 1973-74.

"I love North Carolina and I love newspapers," Woronoff said Wed-nesday. "I'm humbled and honored that my colleagues are giving me the opportunity to pursue both passions for the year."

Woronoff has served on the board of the NCPA for six years, the past year as president-elect. He has also headed the Professional Development Committee for five years and the Legislative Com-mittee for three years. Last year, he was the president of the NCPA's Community Newspaper Division.

Frank Daniels Jr., principal owner of The Pilot, former publisher of The News and Observer of Raleigh and NCPA president from 1980-81, said he was excited for his nephew.

"We're delighted that he has been chosen to be president," he said. "It's a wonderful opportunity for him."

Rick Thames, editor of The Charlotte Observer and outgoing NCPA president, said Woronoff is a great choice to lead the North Carolina newspaper industry at such a critical time.

"David is a natural leader," he said. "He's the type of person we want leading the newspaper industry when innovation is key, because he is an innovator. I'm very excited that he is the next president. It will be good for the newspaper industry."

Thames also said the tradition of the Daniels family in the newspaper business makes Woronoff's selection even more fitting.

"He's a newspaperman at heart," he said. "It's a joy to see him take on this role now, given the history of his family."

Woronoff, 43, became publisher of The Pilot in 1996. The paper now publishes three times a week with a paid circulation of just over 15,000. It was named the best community newspaper in the nation in 2002 and 2007 by the Inland Press Association.

He has also been active in the community, serving on the boards of directors of a variety of organizations, including FirstHealth of the Carolinas, FirstCarolina Care, Moore County Partners in Progress and the English Speaking Union. He is also the co-founder and co-president of the Moore County Summit.

In the past, he has served as board chairman for the Moore County Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Moore County and the Boys and Girls Club, and vice chairman of the FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital board.

Woronoff said newspapers fill a vital role in the community and will continue to do so.

"I believe that people in our society are yearning for a connection to the community," he said. "The medium that can provide that connection in the most compelling and dynamic way will win the day. My money's on the newspaper industry."

Contact John Krahnert III at 693-2473 or by e-mail at jkrahnert@thepilot.com