Kira Lisa Warren, former editor, dies at 54

Kira Lisa Warren, the editor who brought the Hamilton JournalNews into the Internet age and also led the Middletown Journal for three years, lost her three-year battle with cancer Friday, July 23. She was 54 years old.

During Warren’s 30 years in journalism, she dedicated herself to the professional development of her staff, molding the next generation of journalists. Her newspapers have been named best in the state by the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Press Club of Cleveland.

In 2008, she was named the Arnold Rosenfeld Editor of the Year for Cox Newspapers, a national award.

Warren joined Cox Media Group as the managing editor of the JournalNews in July 2001. She became editor in Hamilton in 2004. She added the title of editor of the Middletown Journal in 2007, and when she resigned for health reasons in April 2010, she was editor of Cox Media Group’s entire group of newspapers in Butler and Warren counties.

“Lisa loved the communities she served and in turn they embraced her,” said Edwina Blackwell Clark, publisher of Cox’s newspapers in Butler and Warren counties. “While she was ill, it was extraordinary the number of people who asked about her, prayed for her and kept in contact with her.”

“She was a consummate journalist whose passion was to create an atmosphere where reporters could do quality journalism,’’ Blackwell Clark said. “I think her accomplishments speak for themselves.”

Doug Franklin, Executive Vice President of Cox Media Group, said, “When we hired Lisa nine years ago, she made an immediate impact on our newsroom and the Hamilton JournalNews.

“Her journalistic instincts, leadership and passion to excel were unparalleled. I enjoyed watching her grow in larger roles with Cox. Lisa was taken too soon and our prayers are with her family.”

Warren leaves her husband of 27 years, Philip Novick, and two daughters, Julianne and Elizabeth Warren-Novick.

Date and time for services will be announced. Meanwhile, memorials may be made to the Joe Nuxhall Hope Project, care of the Fairfield Community Foundation, 5350 Pleasant Ave., Fairfield, 45014.

About the Author