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MINUTES
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS
JUNE 16, 2012
CONFERENCE CALL

Meeting Called to Order

With President John Ensslin presiding, the meeting of the board of directors of the Society of Professional Journalists was called to order at 1:05 p.m. EST on Saturday, June 16, 2012 via conference call.

Roll Call
In addition to Ensslin, the following were present: President-Elect Sonny Albarado, Secretary-Treasurer David Cuillier, Vice President Campus Chapter Affairs Neil Ralston, Immediate Past president Hagit Limor, Campus Advisers At-Large Kym Fox and George Daniels; Director At-Large Bill McCloskey, Student Representative Gideon Grudo, Regional Directors Kelly Kissel, Kelsey Volkmann, Michael Koretzky, Don Meyers, Amanda Theisen, James Pilcher, Dana Neuts, Liz Hansen and Brian Eckert. Also in attendance were Bylaws Committee Chairman Bob Becker, Associate Executive Director Sigma Delta Chi Foundation Chris Vachon, Director of Education Scott Leadingham.

Region 8 Director appointment

Limor provided an update on the Region 8 Director appointment. Lisa Rollins and Eddye Gallagher were the two candidates who came forward. Board members discussed the qualifications of the candidates. Kym Fox asked about Lisa’s previous experience as a regional director (it was 1997-2000 in Region 12). Liz said Eddye has been very responsible and involved. Discussion ensued with favorable comments regarding both candidates.

Upon proper motion and second by Daniels and Hansen, respectively, the board selected Eddye Gallagher as interim Region 8 Director.

Oklahoma chapter update

Albarado provided an update regarding the Oklahoma chapter and former Region 8 Director Scott Cooper. Local chapter members intend to take some kind of legal action, just not sure what, to regain their funds. They have paid all their vendors and have money left in the bank. Not sure what will happen next regarding regional funds.

Sonny will make a formal recommendation at the executive committee meeting in July in Washington, D.C., and the committee would then make a recommendation for the full board in September. Sonny was not sure how much money was taken, exactly. They are still looking into it, and might pursue civil and criminal proceedings. Bill McCloskey asked if there was a regional fund and whether it was embezzled from. Sonny said there was a regional fund of about $4,000, and it is all gone.

Virtual meetings

President Ensslin led a virtual meeting with Region 5. Ensslin said it was sparsely attended, but included members from all states and a variety of long-time and new members. Ensslin said he can record the conversations, including those of candidates, which he will post on the elections page. John said the virtual meetings will provide a means to have some informed discussion, one-on-one, between candidates and members. Pilcher asked if there is a way to expand video slots, because it seems limited to six. Ensslin said he would look into it.

One member, one vote

Limor thanked Bob Becker for his work on preparations for the elections. Hagit said originally they thought SPJ would need to implement a 10-day cutoff before the convention, but found out today that people can join at the convention and receive the same e-mail ballot and vote by tablet, phone or walkup booth at the convention.

Hagit said there is a two-hour cutoff and that is reasonable. So SPJ doesn’t need a bylaws change, which Bob confirmed. Hagit said the preparations seem to be going well. They are able to make sure people are voting in the chapters they wish. John is working to ensure candidates can reach out to members. John asked if SPJ should have live streaming of candidate speeches during the convention before the entire membership, or whether there is enough information out there already.

Traditionally RDs have done their speeches at their regional meetings, not before the whole assembly. Hagit and Sonny said they thought it was unnecessary to have the RDs give speeches at the general membership business meeting, given the other options for people to receive information. Nobody spoke to the contrary, so RDs will not need to give speeches at the general members business meeting. No action was needed.

Adjournment

Upon proper motion and second by Limor and McCloseky, respectively, the board voted to adjourn at 1:57 p.m. EST, June 16.