For 32 years, Ginger Stanley has been an advocate for Virginia’s newspapers, so much so that her name is practically synonymous with the Virginia Press Association. That’s the organization that promotes the common interests of its member newspapers.

As executive director of the VPA since 1988, Mrs. Stanley has seen its membership undergo enormous change that includes declining numbers often brought on by digital competition.

Yet, Mrs. Stanley, who will retire from the VPA this week, firmly believes the 135-year-old organization will remain a constant force for an industry that is a vital link to communities throughout Virginia.

“The recorded record still matters and readers will support that as long as newspapers stay true to the core mission,” said Mrs. Stanley. “Yes, information is everywhere, but newspapers today continue to fill a necessary role in our day-to-day activities.”

Mrs. Stanley also is proud of the diversity shown in the state’s newspapers, and encourages journalism schools to place more emphasis on the importance of a diverse workforce in today’s newsrooms.

Last month, the Virginia Press Association Board of Directors announced that Betsy Edwards of Louisa will succeed Mrs. Stanley as executive director. Ms. Edwards was most recently director of communications for ChildFund International.

In addition to working for the ideals of a free press in a democratic society, the VPA connects members through business services and lobbying state lawmakers about issues surrounding public access to government records. VPA also offers professional development, training and recognition. VPA’s annual news awards contest routinely attracts some 5,000 entries.

Mrs. Stanley’s path to the VPA, which is headquartered in Henrico County, began in neighboring Hanover County, where she worked for the Herald-Progress. She worked for the Ashland-based newspaper for 11 years in advertising, promotions and news. While there, she became a volunteer for the VPA. The rest, as they say, is “herstory.” Proud that she has met the many goals and objectives that she outlined when hired to lead the VPA, Mrs. Stanley now intends to relax and do all of the things that she was unable to do while working full time and raising a family.

“I am retiring because, after 45 years, it is time for me to enjoy my family, travel and do all the things that I have wanted to do but never had time to do,” she says.

Meet this week’s Personality, a real newsmaker, Virginia “Ginger” Workman Stanley:

Date and place of birth: Nov. 24 in Richmond.

Current residence: Montpelier.

Alma mater: Virginia Tech, 1966-69.

Family: Husband, Calvin Stanley, owner, Stanley Construction Co. in Ashland; son, Andy Stanley; daughter, Mary Sue McKenna; and five grandchildren.

Purpose of Virginia Press Association: The Virginia Press Association was founded in 1881, when a group of Virginia newspaper publishers asked the General Assembly to authorize the establishment of an association that would look out for the best interests of the Virginia newspaper industry.

Annual budget: $4 million to $5 million.

Number of staff: Seven.

Number of VPA members: 220.

Number of online publications: Six online publications.

Number of each compared to when you began: 190 members and none online.

Impact of internet on newspapers and circulation: Internet has both helped and hurt the industry. More information is available all day on newspaper websites but more competition for advertising dollars brings challenges.

Impact of mobile phones on newspapers and circulation: Mobile phones are a great tool for news gathering as well as news dissemination.

Inclusion of African-American-owned publications now: African-American newspapers have been an important part of the VPA as long as I can remember. Fewer are members today than in the past due, in part, to fewer still in publication.

Diversity in newsrooms for women, African-Americans and other minorities: Diversity in newsrooms is better today than when I started in the business in 1972. Much progress was made in the 1990s and most of that has carried over for women.

How newspapers can remain relevant in the digital age: By using every forum available to get the news and advertising out to as many readers as possible. Delivery of news by mobile phone, internet, tablets, e-blasts and, of course, hard copy, will assure an educated society well into the future.

Likelihood that paper publications in Virginia could disappear: I believe paper publications in Virginia will remain for a long time. Weekly newspapers tell the local community history and get to the heart of life from birth to death.

Is journalism still respected: I am saddened by the lack of respect some media outlets receive but understand when news is reported wrong or sensationalized, the criticism is warranted. It is not as important to get it first as it is to get it right.

Biggest changes I have seen in organization and in its members: There have been many changes over the past 32 years. VPA has been blessed with ample funds, building two headquarters that serve as training centers for the members. Today, the building is shared with a tenant and day rentals are frequent in the conference center. These help with the “bottom line” and allow the VPA staff to remain in a good environment. The biggest change I see is the lack of time our members have to spend on VPA committees or to come for training. The board of directors is challenged to make the best policy decisions going forward to assure a vibrate future.

Biggest success: My biggest professional success has been to lobby the Virginia General Assembly year after year to keep the public’s right to know how government works open and accessible to all citizens. As the chief lobbyist for the newspaper industry in Virginia, my primary role was to advocate for a fair and balanced Freedom of Information Act and to keep public notices in newspapers where citizens can read and react to upcoming government meetings or plans. Every year it has become more difficult to convince legislators that newspapers are the best way to inform citizens and keeping these notices in print ensures that our role as watchdogs is preserved.

How I start the day: By reading my daily newspaper during breakfast. My husband and I share the sections in a very definite order and love discussing the issues.

How I unwind: After dinner, watching the evening news, playing Jeopardy with my husband and reading for fun.

I place top value on: Family, faith, friends and a strong work ethic are my values and that will not change after retirement.

Best late-night snack: Frozen sweet cherries.

Prized possession: My faith.

Three words that best describe me: Caring, organized and patient, until my limit is reached.

No one knows that: My first job was doing live commercials with my mother for Mazola Corn Oil on “Meet the Press.”

Persons who influenced me the most: My mother, my high school teacher, Ivy Cross, and Lois Watkins, my first boss.

The best thing my parents ever taught me was: My parents always told me I could do anything that I wanted to do. I just had to want it bad enough to make it happen.

If I had more time, I would: With my newfound time, I plan to do more with my grandkids, exercise more and take time to enjoy the everyday events that may have passed me by while I was so focused on my career.

Book that influenced me the most: “The 10X Rule” by Grant Cardone. It’s a great book to inspire creative thinking.

What I’m reading now: “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah.

What’s next: My next chapter involves working with my daughter in her business, JuicePlus, taking trips with my husband and working on dozens of projects at our home. Life is Good and I am Blessed.