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MINUTES
SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
JUNE 1, 2009
VIA CONFERENCE CALL

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
With President Dave Aeikens presiding, the meeting of the executive committee of the Society of Professional Journalists was called to order at 4:32 p.m. CT on Monday, June 1, 2009 via a telephone conference call. The meeting was for the purpose of discussing the interim and longterm management of SPJ following Terry Harper’s announcement that he would not return to SPJ for medical reasons.

ROLL CALL
In addition to President Aeikens, the following were present for all or a portion of the meeting: Bill McCloskey; Neil Ralston; Hagit Limor; Clint Brewer; Darcie Lunsford; Steve Geimann.

Following an update on recently resigned executive director Terry Harper's health condition, Aeikens announced four items on the agenda.

INSURANCE NEEDS
Board discussed disability, health and life insurance.

Upon proper motion and second by Brewer and Lunsford, respectively, the board approved by unanimous vote that the Society pick up the costs of Terry’s life and health insurance premiums.

INTERIM LEADERSHIP OF ORGANIZATION
Board considered several options within the organization and outside it.

Upon proper motion and second by Limor and McCloskey, respectively, the board approved by unanimous vote the appointment of Joe Skeel and Chris Vachon as joint interim executive directors until the board appoints a permanent executive director.

PERMANENT LEADERSHIP OF ORGANIZATION
Aeikens appointed a search committee, with Smith and Limor as joint co-chairs. The committee shall have six members, three appointed by Aeikens, one by Smith, one by Limor and one by Geimann as SDX president

The Search Committee will:
a. Examine the existing job description, considering changes to recommend to the board.
b. Create a timeline and scope of search to present to the executive board by its June 27 meeting in Minneapolis.
c. Craft a call for applications to attract candidates.
d, Interview candidates and ultimately make a recommendation for the permanent position to the board.

PERMANENT LEADERSHIP OF ORGANIZATION
SPJ will announce on June 2 the “Harper Family Fund.” Donations will go to the Harper family to be spent per their discretion.

Aeikens announced a future Terry Harper Memorial Fund to create a lasting tribute to Terry. He appointed Lunsford, Ralston and McCloskey to serve as the committee to consider options, and announce them at the August Convention.

ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the committee — and upon proper motion and second by McCloskey and Lunsford, respectively — Aeikens declared the meeting adjourned at 6:07 p.m. CT, June 1, 2009.