Chronicle deputy editorial page editor Lois Kazakoff has been named “opinion journalist of the year” by the National Conference of Editorial Writers. She won in the category of newspapers with 100,000+ circulation. “Founded in 1947, NCEW is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the craft of opinion journalism through education, professional development, exploration of issues of public importance and vigorous advocacy within journalism,” the organization said in a statement. She will receive her award at the group’s conference in Indianapolis Sept. 15-17.