ONPA Treasurer Kimberly Barth accepts the Robert S. Carson Award at the organization’s annual seminar of Ohio University on March 31, 2019. The award is presented for outstanding contribution to photojournalism.
Longtime ONPA treasurer Tom Brunk once told then new treasurer Kimberly Barth that the ONPA treasurer’s office was a lifetime appointment. I’m not sure if she didn’t want to let Brunk down but she has surpassed his 20 years as treasurer and is still serving in the post after 25 years.
That has not gone unnoticed by ONPA leadership and this year ONPA board presented Barth the Robert S. Carson Award. The award is given for outstanding contribution to photojournalism and is considered ONPA’s highest honor.
Barth is a Buckeye at heart and attended Ohio State University and began her career as a staff photographer at the New Philadelphia Times Reporter in Tuscarawas County.
She went on to work for the Elyria Chronicle Telegram and AFP before joing the staff at the Akron Beacon Journal in 1998. She worked for several years as a photographer before becoming photo assignment editor and then director of photography where she remained until GateHouse acquired the paper in May of 2018 and dismantled the photo department.
The director’s job was always a challenge in a shrinking industry with numerous cuts to both space and staff over the years. And then there was the cast of characters she had to keep in check. Through it all I can speak first hand as to her commitment of being a very strong advocate for photojournalism. Barth is now preaching to a more receptive audience as an adjunct professor at Kent State University.
Seminar speaker Kathy Plonka, ONPA secretary Lindsay Semple and treasurer Kimberly Barth provide entertainment at the 2003 ONPA convention in Columbus.
Away from the world of photojournalism Barth is very active with the the City of Flags and Greater Cleveland Chorus, and last fall the Greater Cleveland Chorus placed third in the world harmony classic at the Sweet Adelines International Contest in St. Louis. Always one to share her talents Kim has graced the stage with ONPA “house band” back in the days of the world famous OPNA hospitality suite.
As ONPA treasurer she had to deal with many of the same problems our industry has faced and with the help of George Smallsreed has kept the ship on course.
Mr. Brunk would be proud.