Beloved member and former National Press Club president Art Wiese dies, age 69

A message from NPC president Thomas Burr:

It's with a heavy heart that we report today that former National Press Club President Art Wiese, a long-time supporter of the journalism craft, has passed away.

Art was a friend to all and a valued member of the National Press Club and the journalism community at large. While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his life achievements and his contributions to the world around him.

Art was with us for just 69 years, and spent nearly 50 of those years in a career that spanned the fields of public affairs, communications and journalism. His journalism career began at The Houston Post in his native Texas, where he quickly rose up the ranks to Washington bureau chief at the ripe and record-breaking age of 27. He covered the White House under Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter and Reagan, followed three presidential campaigns, and filed stories from four continents.

In 1979, at the age of 32, Art shattered records again, becoming the youngest person to serve as president of National Press Club. He led the charge in the rebuilding and refurbishing of the Club’s facilities in 1981-85.

Art left journalism in 1982 and began his successful career in communications and public affairs, serving as Vice President for Public Affairs for the American Petroleum Institute, and later as Vice President for Corporate Communications for Entergy Corporation. Under his leadership, Entergy won 35 national and more than 100 regional communications awards.

When he wasn’t hard at work, Art could be found cheering for his beloved New York Yankees, singing tenor in his various choirs and choral groups, or collecting memorabilia from the likes of Theodore Roosevelt, Charles Dickens and Sherlock Holmes. He was an active member of the Gridiron Club & Foundation and thoroughly enjoyed performing in the club's annual Spring Dinner.

Art was a remarkable man who lived a remarkable life. He will be missed. Our condolences to his wife of 49 years, Nanette, and daughter Kimberly.

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Click here for details on funeral arrangements for Mr. Wiese