SPJ Board Elections
Meet the Candidates

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Skip to a position:
President (special election) | President-elect | Secretary-Treasurer | Vice President for Campus Chapter Affairs
At-Large Director | Campus Adviser At-Large | Campus Representative
Regional Directors: 2 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 12

Back to Information for Convention Delegates and Committees page

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Chapter delegates will soon have the opportunity to shape the future of SPJ. At the Excellence in Journalism 2011 Conference, delegates will select board of directors candidates for 14 open seats. These elected board members will help lead SPJ by guiding national policy and setting priorities for the coming years.

Regional Directors will be elected during Regional Meetings. All other positions will be elected during the conference's Closing Business Session.

Interested individuals may still declare their candidacy by running from the floor during the opening business session. For questions, contact nominations committee chairman Kevin Smith.

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President (special election)
Currently unopposed

John Ensslin

Current SPJ Office: Secretary-Treasurer

Previous SPJ Experience: Convention programming co-chairman, 2010; Region 9 Director, 2008-10; National Membership Committee chairman, 2007-08; Colorado Pro chapter president, 2006-08.

Current Employment: Staff Writer, The Record, Woodland Park, N.J.

Previous work experience: courts reporter, The Gazette, Colorado Springs, Co., 2009-11; reporter, The Rocky Mountain News, Denver, Co. 1984-09; reporter, The Middletown Times-Herald Record, 1981- 84; The Hudson Dispatch, Union City, N.J., 1978-1980.

Education: Bachelor's degree in English, Columbia University, 1977

Honors: SPJ Regional Director of the Year, 2010; William Burleigh/Scripps Howard Community Service award, 2009; Denver Press Club Hall of Fame, 2008.

Why I'm seeking this SPJ office: I believe in SPJ. It's a fundamentally decent organization that does incredibly valuable work in the service of journalism. I'm proud to be part of an outfit that sets high ethical standards, works for diversity in the newsroom, trains journalists on cutting edge technology and fights for the public's right to know. If elected, growing membership would be my top priority. We tried several new ideas last year that helped stabilize our numbers. But if we're to remain a vital voice for journalism, we need to continue growing. I would bring a new emphasis on the importance of event programming by student and professional chapters. Programs often serve as the gateway to new members and a magnet for retaining existing members. Many chapters do outstanding work on programming, but sadly, there are some parts of the country where the SPJ banner is seldom seen.
We need to change that by giving smaller chapters the resources they need to be more visible and meaningful. In the weeks leading up to our convention, I plan to share more of my ideas on how we can move SPJ forward. Watch for details on my website: HYPERLINK "http://www.johnforjournalism.com" www.johnforjournalism.com [Top]

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President-Elect
Currently unopposed

Sonny Albarado

Current SPJ Office: Region 12 Director

Current Employment: Projects Editor, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Previous SPJ Experience: Member, Executive Committee, 2008-present; Member FOI Committee, 2009-present; Sigma Delta Chi Foundation board member, 2009-10; Arkansas Pro chapter board member 2008-present

Past Work Experience: News Editor, The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tenn., 2005-07; Business Editor, The Commercial Appeal, 2003-05

Education: Knight Center for Specialized Journalism, University of Maryland; Post-graduate studies at Mississippi State University and Louisiana State University; B.A., double major in English and History, Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, La.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Chosen by fellow regional directors to chair the Regional Directors Caucus 2007-2010; Co-director, with Region 3 SPJ director, of the annual Green Eyeshade Awards contest, which recognizes journalistic excellence in 11 southeastern states

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: Journalists and journalism need our Society more than ever. Professional journalists need an organization that helps them defend the free flow of information and First Amendment, guides them in the ethical practice of their craft, and offers excellent training programs for improved skills. As president-elect, I will work with our national, regional and local leaders to improve and optimize our internal structure and broaden SPJ’s stature and reach. Finally, I will do what I have always done for SPJ: Listen, then do my best to do the right thing. [Top]

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Secretary-treasurer
Currently unopposed

David Cuillier

Current SPJ Office: Freedom of Information Committee chairman, 2007-present

Current Employment: Associate professor, University of Arizona School of Journalism

Previous SPJ Experience: Western Washington University student chapter president, 1987-88; University of Idaho student chapter adviser, 2005-06; SPJ newsroom trainer, 2005 to present

Past Work Experience: Reporter, The (Vancouver, Wash.) Columbian, 1990-94; Reporter, The (Boise) Idaho Statesman, 1994-95; Assistant city editor, Tri-City Herald (Kennewick, Wash.), 1995-98; City editor, The (Everett, Wash.) Herald, 1998-01; Editorial adviser, The Daily Evergreen (Washington State University), 2001-03.

Education: Bachelor’s in journalism, Western Washington University; Master’s and doctorate in communication from Washington State University

Honors, Awards and Activities: SPJ First Amendment Award 2010, SPJ President’s Award 2008 and 2010; SPJ Access Across America 45-day on-the-road FOI training tour, 2010

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: Journalism is more important than ever, and it is time to stand together with pride. Yes, news organizations are struggling, salaries are inadequate, and it seems like nobody cares. But people DO care. Professional journalists make the world better. As an elected servant of SPJ, I would spread our message to the public through a national on-the-road tour while rallying journalists to embrace our core missions — freedom of information, diversity and ethical standards, and accurate reporting that makes a difference. It's time for a journalism tent revival. It's time to raise our hands and shout, "Journalism lives!" Journalists keep government in check and are defenders of justice and human dignity. Journalists save lives. Be proud. Thank you for supporting SPJ, and know that I will do all I can to help you better do your job and better serve the public.

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Vice President for Campus Chapter Affairs
Currently unopposed

Neil Ralston

Current SPJ Office: Vice President for Campus Chapter Affairs

Current Employment: assistant professor, School of Journalism & Broadcasting, Western Kentucky University

Previous SPJ Experience: Campus Adviser At-Large, 2003-07; chapter co-adviser, Western Kentucky University, 2006-present; chapter adviser, Northwestern State University, 1999-06; chapter adviser, Truman State University, 1989-99.

Past Work Experience: Prior to teaching journalism at the college level beginning in 1989, I worked as a reporter at the San Antonio Light from 1986 to 1989. Before my time in San Antonio, I worked as a reporter and photographer at daily newspapers in Conroe, Texas, and Hammond, La. I also have served as an editor and reporter for weekly newspapers in Illinois and Missouri.

Education: Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia, 2002; M.A. in journalism, The Ohio State University, 1985; B.A. in communication, Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University), 1978.

Honors, Awards and Activities: David L. Eshelman Outstanding Campus Adviser Award, 1999.

Why I'm seeking this SPJ office: I want to continue serving SPJ and work to continue promoting the Society’s mission, especially our efforts to protect freedom of speech and of the press, our efforts to promote ethical behavior among journalists, and our efforts to encourage the free flow of information. I also want to continue the Society’s work in protecting student journalists from attempts at control by administrators and student government. We have done much to promote student press rights in the last several years, including the promotion of our Campus Media Statement program, but we need to do more. We need to keep the pressure on would-be censors, and we need to maintain our relationships with other media organizations dedicated to helping student journalists.

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Campus Adviser at Large
Currently unopposed

George Daniels

Current SPJ Office: Campus Adviser At-Large

Current Employment: Associate Professor of Journalism, University of Alabama

Previous SPJ Experience: Diversity Committee chairman, 2010-11); Journalism Education Committee chairman, 2008-09; Ted Scripps Leadership Institute, 2007; Diversity Leadership Fellow, 2006; Co-adviser, University of Alabama chapter, 2006-present

Past Work Experience: News producer WXIA-TV Atlanta, Ga., 1995-2000; WLWT-TV Cincinnati, Ohio, 1993-95; WTVR-TV, 1992-1993

Education: B.A. news-editorial journalism, Howard University, 1992; M.A., journalism/mass communication, University of Georgia, 1999; Ph.D. in mass communication, University of Georgia, 2002

Honors, Awards and Activities: Certified as Master Journalism Educator (MJE) by Journalism Education Association; recipient of Award for Distinguished Achievement for Engaged Scholarship, 2008; Member of the National Association of Black Journalists, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication and Radio Television Digital News Association

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: SPJ has its roots on a college campus and those campus chapters make up the majority of our local units today. Yet, there are many chapters that have not been as active as they could be. Campus advisers are key players in the health of our campus chapters. We need to develop more training and support for campus advisers and recruit new ones. In these lean economic times, SPJ must work collaboratively with other journalism organizations such as RTDNA to achieve its core missions. I want to continue to be actively involved with our partnerships with organizations such as RTDNA and the Native American Journalists Association. Read more about my interests in serving SPJ here: HYPERLINK "http://wp.me/sDF9L-940" http://wp.me/sDF9L-940.

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Director at Large
Choose one

Carl Corry

Current SPJ Position: Co-chairman, 2012 Region 1 Spring Conference.

Current Employment: Newsday’s online editor for local news.

Previous SPJ Experience: Region 1 Director, 2004-06; President, Press Club of Long Island, 2002-05 (Region 1 Chapter of the Year, 2002); chapter board member, 1998-11. Served as PCLI corresponding secretary and VP-Print. Student chapter president, Stony Brook University, 1994-96; founding student chapter president, St. John’s University, 1993.

Past Work Experience: Executive producer, News 12 Interactive, 2007-10; Editor, Long Island Business News, 2003-07 (previously managing editor and reporter); spot news and tech reporter, Marketwatch.com, 2000-01.

Education: B.A., multidisciplinary studies, Stony Brook University, 1996.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Regional Director of the Year, 2005; Winner of outstanding service to journalism award from PCLI, 2005; LIBN 40 under 40 honoree, 2010; currently board member of the Buskin Committee for Campus Journalism at Stony Brook University.

Why I'm seeking this SPJ office: Communication. Innovation. Independence. That’s what I plan to bring to the SPJ board. I want to bridge the communication gap between chapters so they can better share ideas, while offering a fresh, yet experienced voice to the board. I also want to help chapters develop effective websites and vibrant social media initiatives. My varied experience in print, TV, online and mobile journalism allows me to understand and quickly respond to the challenges our industry and our organization face. It’s also crucial for board members to speak up when the society errs. For example, in 2005, SPJ prematurely criticized Ocean County College in New Jersey when a journalism adviser there was ousted. As Region 1 Director, I led a committee that investigated the issue. We found that the administration made the wrong move. But we also found SPJ publicly responded without having sufficient information. If I rejoined the SPJ board, I would try to avoid missteps like this in the future.

Ray Hanania

Current SPJ Office: None

Current Employment: President, Urban Strategies Group; columnist, Creators Syndicate & Jerusalem Post; columnist, Southwest News-Herald and Lawndale News newspapers Chicago.

Previous SPJ Experience: SPJ member1980-present

Past Work Experience: Chicago City Hall Reporter, 1977-1992; eight years with Chicago Sun-Times covering Daley to Daley; Radio talk show host WLS Radio, 1980-1992; WJJG Morning host, 2009-11

Education: Northern Illinois University, 1971-73; University of Illinois Chicago, 1975-77.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Four Lisagor Awards/Chicago Headline Club for column writing; Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing, 2009; New America Media Best Ethnic American Columnist 2007; Mehdi Courage in Journalism Award, 2009.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: I believe strongly that the national SPJ needs to do a better job of communicating with its membership. I believe SPJ must fight to achieve real diversity, not only in newsrooms but within SPJ itself. Like many members, I am very discouraged, after years of membership, by the recent animosity sparked by the actions of the past SPJ president, and dismayed by the remarks of SPJ national board members discarding critical opinions as "propaganda." I also believe it is inappropriate for any SPJ officer to address criticism of SPJ actions by refusing to address it and instead state that the SPJ member's comments belong in an email “junk filter.” These are only a handful of disturbing conduct that has taken place over the past two years by the SPJ national board, and they should be challenged professionally to reinforce the professionalism of the organization. I believe we need an independent voice on the SPJ national board, and I hope to serve in that capacity.

Bill McCloskey

Current SPJ Office: At-Large Director; Member, Executive Committee and Communications, Finance, Government Relations, Capital Spending and Bylaws Committees; Member, board of directors, Washington, D.C. Pro chapter since 1987.

Current Employment: Contract part-time copy editor Warren Communications News

Previous SPJ Experience: Short-term interim Region 2 Director; Bylaws Committee chairman; Convention parliamentarian

Past Work Experience: Director, media relations, BellSouth Corp.; writer, Associated Press, Washington; Asst. Managing Editor AP Radio Network; News Director WASH-FM, Washington; Editor, Metromedia Radio News; Section Producer WTTG-TV Washington; Information Specialist, 1st Signal Brigade, Saigon, Vietnam; News Assistant, WIP, Philadelphia.

Education: B.A. Villanova University, 1966

Honors, Awards and Activities: Wells Key; three SPJ Presidents Awards; D.C. Pro chapter Distinguished Service Award; APME news coverage 1975; Armstrong Award for excellence in radio, 1975.

Why I'm seeking this SPJ office: My institutional knowledge having served at the local and national level in various positions over two decades brings to the board a recollection of precedent for various activities, traditions, policies and procedures. I believe I have a long-term view of Society governance that enables me to offer ideas that are beyond various short-term “hot issues.” I believe we should be constantly telling the public why First Amendment concerns are public concerns, not just issues for journalists.

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Campus Representative
Choose two

Matt Conde

Current SPJ Office: Promotions Director, University of Alabama chapter

Current Employment: News America Marketing

Previous SPJ Experience: Member since 2010; worked on the chapter Leadership Committee; entrant in the Mark of Excellence Awards

Past Work Experience: Sports Editor for The Pioneer (a Jefferson State Community College Student Publication); Program Director for 91.1 WJSR “The Edge” (a Jefferson State Community College Student Broadcast Radio), copy editor and photographer for Alabama Football Magazine; sports writer for The Shelby County Reporter

Education: Completed two years at Jefferson State Community College 2008-10. Currently a junior majoring in journalism at the University of Alabama

Honors, Awards and Activities: Graduate of the 2011 Ted Scripps Leadership Institute; Recipient of two journalism scholarships at the University of Alabama; recipient of three journalism scholarships at Jefferson State Community College

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: While attending the 2011 Ted Scripps Leadership Institute, I was able to hear the day-to-day struggles of many professional and campus chapters. By exposing our weaknesses within our chapter, though, we were able to come up with ways we can fix them as a team. As a student representative, I want to use my resources to help chapters with their struggles. SPJ does so many positive things for young journalists. I want to be sure members get full use of the resources SPJ has to offer so that members will continue to help SPJ grow in a positive, energetic way.

Gideon Grudo

Current SPJ Office: Member, South Florida Chapter

Current Employment: Editor-in-Chief of the University Press, Florida Atlantic University’s student newspaper; freelancer for MoneyTalksNews.com; intern for the Miami Herald

Previous SPJ Experience: Member since 2010

Past Work Experience: Managing editor at the University Press; Copy editor at the University Press

Education: Senior majoring in communications at Florida Atlantic University

Honors, Awards and Activities:

— Editor-in-Chief for Will Write for Food (SPJ), 2011; Writer for Will Write for Food, 2010: For one weekend, students from around the country took over the second largest homeless publication in the country — The Homeless Voice, based in Fort Lauderdale. We wrote, edited, and designed an entire 20-page issue, along with a website of blogs, videos and photo essays.

— Editor-in-Chief for All on Paper (SPJ), 2011: The newsroom gave up its computers and was forced to print an issue using typewriters, darkrooms, pica poles and X-Acto knives. The 16-page issue went all black-and-white and got national attention from outlets like TechCrunch, Poynter and NPR.

— Editor-in-Chief for the Unethical Press (SPJ), 2011: An entire issue of the student newspaper is renamed and tries to violate as many SPJ codes of ethics as possible in the 24-page book. From a promiscuous mascot to student government officials using freshmen dorm water for hot tub parties, we showed the audience what a paper might look like if it ignored the SPJ code of ethics.

— Scholarship recipient for the IRE student convention, 2011

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: SPJ should be a common household name for every student entering this field. I took part in five SPJ events since joining, and led/coordinated four of them. I hail from a university without an SPJ chapter, and without a journalism school. SPJ has improved my abilities and skills as a reporter, and provided me a window into other student newspapers and helped me open communication with them. These experiences are invaluable, and it’s time for me to help others put SPJ notches on their belts. Membership in SPJ should be a priority on every student’s mind, from whatever university, college or community college — I want to be a part of making that happen.

Ashley Hemmy

Current SPJ Office: University of Florida chapter president

Current Employment: Editorial intern, Street Sense, Washington, D.C.; Editorial intern, The North Florida Herald, High Springs, Fla.

Previous SPJ Experience: Vice president, University of Florida student chapter, 2009-10; Secretary, University of Florida chapter, spring 2009; Fundraising chairwoman, University of Florida chapter, fall 2008

Past Work Experience: Editorial intern, INsite Magazine, Gainesville, Fla., Spring 2011; Editorial intern, Advantage Publishing, Inc., Gainesville, Fla.; copy editor, The Independent Florida Alligator, Gainesville, Fla., 2009-10; Reporter, The Independent Florida Alligator, Gainesville, Fla., fall 2008

Honors, Awards and Activities: Region 3 Student Chapter of the Year, 2010; Ted Scripps Leadership Institute graduate, 2010; National Chapter of the Year, 2009

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: SPJ has been an important factor in my life ever since starting at the UF in 2008. Being involved has led me to meeting different journalists from all over the country and to be closer to the ones in Florida. Every meeting, event and conference has taught me new things and shown me more opportunities. I’ve devoted the last three years to this organization and I hope to continue doing so in more ways. After I graduate in May 2012, I plan on continuing my SPJ membership well into my journalism career and hope to remain involved.

Taylor Mirfendereski

Current SPJ Office: Student Representative; President, Ohio University chapter

Current Employment: Student

Previous SPJ Experience: Ted Scripps Leadership Institute, 2011; Vice President, Ohio University chapter, 2010-11, 2009-2010; Freshman Liaison, 2008-09

Past Work Experience: Intern, NBC Nightly News; Intern, NBC's Today Show; Intern, WCMH-TV; Campus Correspondent, CNN

Education: Bachelor's in journalism, Ohio University. Expected graduation: June 2012.

Honors, Awards and Activities: First Place, In-Depth Television Reporting, Region 4 Mark of Excellence Awards, 2011; National Collegiate SPJ Chapter of the Year, 2010; President, Ohio University Radio Television Digital News Association, 2010-12; Leadership for Change Award, 2010; Ohio Interactive Award, 2010; Co-chair, Asian American Student Broadcast Journalists, Member, Asian American Journalists Association

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: As a committed leader of SPJ for the past three years, I enthusiastically support its mission to make the journalism profession stronger through defending First Amendment rights, promoting ethical journalism practices and providing professional development support. From offering meeting planning guides and professional development tools to support with large-scale events like the Ohio Sunshine Summit and the First Amendment Free Food Festival, I have personally benefited and watched others benefit from the resources that SPJ has developed for student journalists. If re-elected as student representative, I will enhance these resources to make SPJ an even more effective organization for students. I will ensure that student journalists from all mediums have access to tools and professionals that will further their careers. I am very approachable, open to new ideas, and will serve as an effective liaison between student and professional members.

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Region 2 Director
Currently unopposed

Brian Eckert

Current SPJ Office: Region 2 Director; Virginia Pro chapter treasurer

Current Employment: Director, Media and Public Relations, University of Richmond

Previous SPJ Experience: Member since 1987; Virginia Pro chapter treasurer, VP, president, past-president; Ted Scripps Leadership Institute alumnus; Region 2 MOE judging coordinator Region 2 Director

Past Work Experience: Reporter-photographer, Burlington County Herald, Mt. Holly, N.J. Freelance travel writer; Assistant editor, TravelScene Magazine, New York, N.Y. Philadelphia bureau chief, Travel Management Daily/TravelAge Magazines Anchor-producer, New Jersey Public Television; News director, Radio Station WJJZ, Mt. Holly, N.J.; News producer-anchor, production and program director, WHSP-TV, Vineland, N.J. Graduate intern-reporter, Voice of America, London; Assistant VP for public affairs and director of media relations, Wake Forest University; Executive consumer affairs representative, US Airways, Arlington, Va.; Director of public relations, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, Winston-Salem, N.C.

Education: Wake Forest University, B.A. cum laude, English, 1976; University of Oxford, Reuters Fellow, 1988-89

Honors, Awards and Activities: Rotary Foundation journalism scholar; Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow; Admissions Marketing Report gold award for recruitment video production; CASE III, IABC Best in Virginia, EdPress awards for excellence in feature writing; CASE Faculty Star Award, Annual Conference for Media Relations Professionals; College Communicators Association of Virginia and D.C. president; College News Association of the Carolinas president and Gaston Award winner

Why I'm seeking this SPJ office: SPJ and the fearless practice of journalism matter every day, in every community from world capitals to small towns. Promoting active, ethical journalism is every citizen’s responsibility and my desire as Region 2 Director. As regional director, I have organized legal help for student newspapers menaced by college administrations and overzealous prosecutors; opposed state legislation that would inadvertently limit free access to public records in Maryland; asked representatives to enact a federal shield law; helped revive the statewide pro chapters of Maryland and North Carolina; and worked to launch the new Greater Charlotte (N.C.) Pro and Georgetown University campus chapters. My goals include restoring a professional chapter in Delaware and assisting George Washington, Norfolk State and Western Carolina universities with efforts to start new campus chapters.

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Region 3 Director
Currently unopposed

Michael Koretzky

Current SPJ Office: President, South Florida Pro chapter

Current Employment: freelance journalist

Previous SPJ Experience: National At-Large Director, 2008-10; South Florida board member, 2005-07; University of Florida chapter president,1987

Past Work Experience: JetBlue blog editor, 2010; Florida Atlantic University newspaper adviser, 1999-2010; Jazziz managing editor, 2000-08; XS Magazine associate editor, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 1994-97; iCE Magazine editor & publisher, West Palm Beach, Florida, 1992-94; South Florida Sun-Sentinel reporter, 1990-92; Florida Times-Union reporter, 1990; Athens Daily News reporter, 1989-90

Education: University of Florida, 1983-89

Honors, Awards and Activities: I’m president of the Florida College Press Association, director of a New York City college media convention that draws 1,200 annually, and a steering committee member on the Student Press Law Center’s advisory board.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: I have a one-track mind: I believe programming is the solution to many SPJ problems. In Region 3, my programming ideas helped South Florida win the 2010 large chapter of the year award, and it did the same the year before, when the University of Florida won student chapter of the year. Those events include the First Amendment Free Food Festival, Will Work for Food, Ethics Hold’em, Unethical Press and Paper Ball. I want to expand these programs-in-a-box to other chapters in Region 3, and I want to help them apply for microgrants, which I’ve had some luck securing. Nationally, I believe the SPJ board needs to embrace the same technology it touts on its website. Board meetings should be streamed for any who want to view them, and board members should meet virtually at least once so they grasp the tech. They might even like it.

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Region 6 Director
Currently unopposed

Amanda Theisen

Current SPJ Office: Region 6 Director

Current Employment: Producer, KSTP-TV, Minneapolis/St. Paul

Previous SPJ Experience: Region 6 Director, 2009-present; President-elect, Minnesota Pro chapter, 2011-present; Treasurer, Minnesota SPJ board member; national student representative, 2003-04, St. Thomas chapter president, 2002-03

Past Work Experience: Reporter/photographer, WSAW-TV, Wausau, Wis., 2004-06; capitol bureau intern, KSTP-TV, 2004; consumer unit intern, KSTP-TV, 2003; newsroom intern, WBAY-TV, Green Bay, Wis., 2002

Education: University of St. Thomas, B.A. in broadcast journalism/communication studies, 2004

Honors, Awards and Activities: 2010 President's Award, Minnesota SPJ; 2009 Regional Emmy winner-Best Daytime Newscast; 2004 Regional Emmy nominee-Best documentary

Why I'm seeking this SPJ office: This year I celebrated my 10-year anniversary of being an SPJ member. More than ever, I believe in what SPJ stands for and what it seeks to achieve. I believe SPJ should be at the forefront in standing up for journalists' rights around the country and helping journalist expand and improve their skills in an industry that never stops evolving. I am honored to have been part of that effort in my role as a regional director. I am anxious to continue my work and to give both professional and student chapters in my region the tools and ability to help the journalists they serve every day.

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Region 10 Director
Currently unopposed

Dana Neuts

Current SPJ Office: Region 10 Director

Current Employment: Freelance Writer; Owner/Publisher of iLoveKent.net and SOCOBizNews.com

Previous SPJ Experience: Freelance Committee Chairwoman; member, Membership Committee; past-president, Western Washington Pro chapter

Past Work Experience: 15+ years in the financial services industry as a marketing assistant, underwriter, 401(k) administrator and pension sales consultant

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, magna cum laude, Indiana Wesleyan University

Honors, Awards and Activities: Served as president-elect and president during the three years the Western Washington Pro chapter won “best large chapter of the year;” Scripps Institute facilitator, 2010; SPJ conference speaker; 1st place winner in SPJ’s 2009 NW Excellence in Journalism contest for humorous writing/magazines; co-author of Yahoo Income; recently completed a five-video series on freelancing for SPJ’s On Demand training program; and currently serving on the boards of Kent Downtown Partnership and Children’s Therapy Center.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: Having served at the local, regional and national levels of SPJ, I have a good understanding of the inner workings of our organization as well as the challenges each level faces in working for and with its members. I am committed to supporting Region 10 chapter efforts to more effectively serve their membership and grow their chapters, as well as bridge the gap that exists between chapters and national SPJ. I also hope to create synergy among the chapters so they can share resources and educational opportunities region-wide through the use of technology.

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Region 11 Director
Choose one

Chuck Baker

Current SPJ Office: None Current Employment: Veterans Reporter newspaper, Las Vegas, NV.

Previous SPJ Experience: First-year member.

Past Work Experience: Editor, Boulder City News, Nevada Real Estate Editor, Las Vegas Review-Journal. Have also worked in TV news at several southern Nevada stations. In addition to my editor position, I currently host a weekly radio show at KLAV-AM, Las Vegas,and I contribute freelance articles to several publications including the Review-Journal.

Education: Bachelor of Laws.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Several awards from several organizations over many years.

Why I'm seeking this SPJ office: Nevada has not had an active chapter for a long time. Although there are several members who have attempted to hold occasional meetings in Las Vegas, nothing concrete has been established. We have not been actively included in regional activities. I believe with my experience and longtime journalism background in Nevada, I can reestablish the chapter and by doing so make the entire region a stronger one. The Silver State has a solid newspaper, radio and TV tradition and should not be swept aside by inactivity. In addition, I believe the entire region can stand a positive shot in the arm and must develop new, dynamic activity to make the public more aware of the great things journalism can and does accomplish. I can do that, and I ask for the opportunity to make it happen.

Jodi Cleesattle

Current SPJ Office: Region 11 Director; Project Sunshine Chairwoman, Southern California; San Diego Pro chapter board of directors

Current Employment: Deputy Attorney General, California Department of Justice

Previous SPJ Experience: Region 11 Director, 2009-present; San Diego Pro chapter president, 2007-08; San Diego Pro chapter board member, 2006-present; National FOI Committee member, 2008- present; National Legal Defense Fund Committee member, 2008-present; SPJ member since 1988

Past Work Experience: Partner, Ross, Dixon & Bell, LLP, Washington, D.C. and San Diego; Editor, The National Jurist magazine, Arlington, Va.; Reporter, The Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, Lancaster, Ohio

Education: B.A. Communication, American University; J.D., American University

Honors, Awards and Activities: Freelance columnist, San Diego Lawyer magazine, 2009-present; Editor, Public Law Journal, 2010-11; Editor, Lawyers Club News, 2007-10; Californians Aware, member; Lawyers Club of San Diego, vice president, 2010-11; board member, 2008-10; Leadership Development Committee co-chairwoman, 2006-present; San Diego Top Attorney List, 2009, 2010, 2011

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: As Region 11 Director, I have worked to be a resource for chapters in the region, as well as to represent our chapters on the national board. I have encouraged communication and sharing of ideas among the region’s chapters and have worked to ensure successful regional conferences. As a representative on the national board, I have tried to address issues with reason, open-mindedness, respect for all opinions, and a firm commitment to SPJ’s values and vision. I hope to continue to serve SPJ as it takes on the challenges and opportunities facing today’s media.

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Region 12 Director
Currently unopposed

Kelly Kissel

Current SPJ Office: Treasurer, Arkansas Pro chapter.

Current Employment: The Associated Press, 27 years; news editor (Arkansas-Oklahoma) since 1994.

Previous SPJ Experience: Board member, Arkansas Pro chapter, 2007-11. Member and board member, LSU student and various pro chapters since 1978.

Past Work Experience: AP Correspondent, Huntington, W.Va., and State College, Pa., 1988-1994. AP reporter, New Orleans; Jackson, Miss.; and Charleston, W.Va., 1984-88. Correspondent, Morning Advocate, Baton Rouge, La., 1983; Director, WRBT-Baton Rouge (now WVLA), 1979-83. Disc jockey and news reader, 1976-84. Education: B.A. journalism, Louisiana State University, 1984.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Staff won three of last five "Hard News" competitions in SPJ pro contest, plus 22 other awards in the competition since 2005; Staff won 15 Katies from Dallas Press Club from 1999-2003, including two for Best Wire Service; First place, William Randolph Hearst Collegiate Writing Championship, 1984. Member, Arkansas Freedom of Information Coalition. Football and soccer referee in my spare time.

Why I'm seeking this SPJ office: With so much turmoil in the business, someone must remain a cheerleader for what we do best: informing and entertaining the public. While doing so, we must maintain standards for fairness and integrity that SPJ has helped pioneer since its founding. For newer journalists, whether you're working in traditional media, an online publication or just for yourself, note that the ability to file items quickly doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t apply the brakes appropriately. We still must take the time to pursue the other side(s) of the story. One-sided stories aren't journalism. As Region 12 Director, I would hope to aid SPJ in its effort to maintain high standards among journalists, regardless of how they distribute information.

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