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MINUTES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS
MAY 28, 2008
VIA CONFERENCE CALL

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
With President Clint Brewer presiding, the meeting of the board of directors of the Society of Professional Journalists was called to order at 2:05 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2008, via a telephonic conference call.

ROLL CALL
In addition to Brewer, the following board members were present: President-Elect Dave Aeikens; Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Smith; Vice President for Campus Chapter Affairs Neil Ralston; Director at Large Bill McCloskey; Campus Chapter Adviser at Large Sue Kopen Katcef; and Regional Directors Darcie Lunsford, Jeremy Steele, Richard Roth, Travis Poling, Deb Hurley, Scott Maben, Sonya Smith and Sonny Albarado.

Staff members present included Executive Director Terry Harper; Associate Executive Director Julie Grimes and Editor Joe Skeel.

PURPOSE OF MEETING
Brewer explained that the purpose of the meeting was to appoint a Region 5 Director to replace Richard Roth who announced his resignation when he accepted new professional responsibilities in Qatar. Roth’s resignation will take effect with the board’s appointment of a successor. The appointment will last until the 2008 convention in September when the region will elect a director to a full two-year term.

Brewer noted that an electronic message had been sent to all professional members in Region 5 to solicit interest in the interim appointment. Six members indicated their willingness to serve and provided the board with biographical information that was circulated in advance of the meeting. Brewer opened the floor to nominations.

NOMINATIONS AND ELECTION OF REGION 5 DIRECTOR
Upon proper motion and second by McCloskey and Lunsford, respectively, Liz Hansen, Eastern Kentucky University, was nominated for Region 5 Director.

Upon proper motion and second by Kevin Smith and Poling, respectively, Rebecca Neal, Indianapolis Star, was nominated for Region 5 Director.

Upon proper motion and second by Ralston and Kopen-Katcef, respectively, Mac McKerral, Western Kentucky University, was nominated for Region 5 Director.

There being no further nominations, Brewer closed the nominations process and proceeded to the vote. Because the meeting was being held via conference call, roll call votes were taken.

In the first round of balloting, Hansen received five votes, Neal received five votes and McKerral received two votes. Brewer and Roth abstained from voting. McKerral’s name was removed from consideration and another ballot was taken.

In the second round, Hansen received six votes and Neal received six votes. Roth again abstained. Brewer broke the tie by casting a vote in favor of Hansen.

Harper was directed to notify all parties of the results.

ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the board, Brewer declared the meeting adjourned at 2:33 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2008.