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Run for office | Participate as a voting SPJ member | Meet the candidates

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Election Central
Meet the Candidates

Skip to a position:
— President-elect
— Secretary-Treasurer
— Vice President, Campus Chapter Affairs
— At-Large Director
— Campus Adviser At-Large
— Student Representative

Regional Directors: 2 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 12

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President-Elect
Currently unopposed

Dana Neuts

Current SPJ Office: National SPJ Secretary/Treasurer

Current Employment: Freelance journalist since 2003, and owner/publisher of iLoveKent.net

Previous SPJ Experience: National SPJ Secretary/Treasurer, 2012-present; Founder and Chair, Contest Advisory Group, 2012-Present; Region 10 Director, 2009-2012; SDX Foundation board, 2010-11 and 2012-present; Freelance Committee chair, 2010-2012; Freelance Committee member, 2009-present; Membership Committee, 2010-2011; Scripps facilitator, 2010 and 2012; Western Washington Pro Chapter, president, 2006-08, board member, 2005-09; press club host, Bellingham, Washington, 2005-06.

Previous Work Experience: Lafayette Life Insurance Company, 1991-2003 and LaPorte Bank & Trust Company, 1988-1991.

Education: B.A. magna cum laude in business administration, Indiana Wesleyan University, 2000. Graduate, Ted Scripps SPJ Leadership Institute, 2010.

Honors, Awards and Activities: SPJ Outstanding Large Chapter of the Year Award, 2006-2009; 1st place, Humorous Writing, 2009 NW Excellence in Journalism Contest; 5th place, Best Neighborhood Blog (iLoveKent.net) in KING5 and Evening Magazine’s Best of Western Washington 2010; 3rd place, Best Hyperlocal Blog for iLoveKent.net in 2011 NW Excellence in Journalism Contest; 2nd place, Best Community Engagement for iLoveKent.net in 2012 NW Excellence in Journalism Contest; Regional Director of the Year, 2012; member of NW Independent Editors Guild and Journalism & Women Symposium (JAWS); advisory member of Career and Technical Education Committee, Kent School District; member of KDP and Kent Chamber of Commerce.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: In my four years on the national SPJ board, I’ve met hundreds of student and professional journalists from across the country, including current and past leaders. I’ve seen their passion for journalism and SPJ, as well as the daily challenges they face doing their jobs. Their hard work and dedication inspire me to contribute my business and freelance background and “can do” attitude to help drive change within SPJ and our industry.

That’s why I’ve helped SPJ bring a new benefits program to our members, streamlined contest management for our chapters, and supported SPJ staff, leaders and volunteers as they seek new ways to serve our members. It is this shared passion that also inspires me to increase the Society’s visibility to show other journalism organizations and the public that SPJ is fighting for our core principles every day — freedom of speech, open government and journalism ethics.

SPJ is doing a lot of impressive work, and I am proud to be a member, but there is room for improvement. We need to be more proactive on important journalism issues, more innovative so that we are driving change in the industry, and move more quickly to make decisions. We need to offer more support and resources to our chapters, so that we can become THE journalism organization to join. If elected, I will continue to work hard for SPJ. I’ll build on our past successes while looking to an exciting new future.

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Secretary-Treasurer
Currently unopposed

Paul Fletcher

Current SPJ Office: Immediate Past President, Virginia Pro chapter; trustee, Virginia SPJ, SDX Educational Foundation.

Current Employment: Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Virginia Lawyers Weekly, Richmond, Va., 1989-present.

Previous SPJ Experience: Member since 1992; Virginia Pro chapter officer since 2008 — secretary; vice president, 2009-11; president, 2011-13. Current member, SPJ Ethics Committee. Ted Scripps Leadership Institute, Class of 2010.

Previous Work Experience: News Editor, Virginia Lawyers Weekly, 1988-89. Associate, law firm of White, Elliott & Bundy, Bristol and Abingdon, Va., 1985-88. High school English teacher and adjunct writing professor, Nova University, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., 1981-83.

Education: A.B., College of William & Mary, 1979; M.A. (English), Emory University, 1980; J.D., Washington & Lee University, 1985.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Writing awards from Virginia Press Association, National Newspaper Association, SPJDC Dateline Awards competition. Member, VPA Public Notice Task Force. Member, Virginia Coalition for Open Government Partners Advisory Panel. Member of NFOIC, ISWNE and ASBPE. Fellow, Virginia Law Foundation. SPJVA was named Region 2 Chapter of the Year in 2012.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: SPJ is dedicated to improving and protecting journalism. We stand and fight to uphold our key values — the First Amendment, the FOIA, free speech rights, the public’s right to know. This important mission does not have an end.

During my time as Virginia Pro president, SPJVA’s hallmark was advocacy — we worked with the Virginia Press Association to defeat legislation that would allow local governments to take public notices out of newspapers and put them on websites that they control. We backed a photojournalist arrested on the absurd charge of “trespassing in a public street” as he covered the police who broke up Occupy Richmond. And we spoke up for student journalists facing a hostile college administration. I want to continue to be a strong voice defending our core values.

The methods of information delivery are changing, but the journalist’s tasks of seeking and reporting the truth and telling a good story remain the same. SPJ will accomplish its mission of improving journalism by tailoring its training and benefits to match the new workplace. I want to insure that SPJ remains relevant to the journalists of today and tomorrow.

I have been a journalist for more than 25 years, and I have run a successful business for nearly that long. I have never failed to renew my membership because I believe in SPJ’s mission and its vital role in advancing journalism and democracy. If elected as your Secretary-Treasurer, I will work to make every member of SPJ feel the same way.

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Vice President, Campus Chapter Affairs
Currently unopposed

Sue Kopen Katcef

Current SPJ Office: Chair, SPJ National Awards & Honors Committee (2012-present); DC SPJ Pro Chapter, Corresponding Secretary (2001-present); University of Maryland Student Chapter, Faculty Adviser (1999-present).

Current Employment: Broadcast Bureau Director, Capital News Service, Philip Merrill College of Journalism, University of Maryland.

Previous SPJ Experience: SPJ National Board, Campus Adviser At-Large (2005-2010); Sigma Delta Chi Foundation (2007-2010); Maryland SPJ Pro Chapter: Scholarship Chair (1997-2006), Membership Chair (1993-1995), President (1987-1991); Co-chair SPJ National Convention (Baltimore),1992; Chair, SPJ Region 2 Conference (1985,1989, 2001); Joined SPJ (then SDX) December 1973

Previous Work Experience: WBAL Radio (reporter/anchor); Maryland Public Television (reporter/producer); Press Secretary, MD Rep. Ben Cardin; Press Secretary, MD House Speaker Ben Cardin; WCBM (Metromedia) Radio; WJZ Television (Reporter); Associated Press Radio; ABC Radio, Washington Bureau; Adjunct instructor, Philip Merrill College of Journalism.

Education: University of Maryland, College Park. Bachelor of Science/Journalism. 1976.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Distinguished Service Award, SPJ Washington, D.C. Professional Chapter, 2010; SPJ Distinguished Teaching In Journalism Award, 2002-2003; SPJ David L. Eshelman Outstanding Campus Adviser, 2001-2002; Omicron Delta Kappa, National Leadership Honor Society, 2007.; Outstanding Faculty Member, Panhellenic Association, University of Maryland 2002; Outstanding Teacher Award, Panhellenic/Interfraternity Council Associations, University of Maryland, 1990; 8 Awards from the Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Association (documentary, spot news, in-depth, public affairs: 2000, 1999 {2}, 1995, 1983, 1980 {2}, 1979); 7 Gavel Awards, Maryland State Bar Association (1999, 1997, 1996, 1994, 1993, 1983, 1980); Silver Gavel Award, American Bar Association (1981); CPB Silver Award for Documentary (1990); President Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Association (June 2010- June 2011); Board member, National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter (2011--); Member Radio Television Digital News Association.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: The journalism profession is changing by the second. How we do our jobs today could very well change by tomorrow as new and different ways are developed to deliver information.

I believe SPJ is a leader—and should continue to be a leader—in providing training opportunities for pros and students alike to keep pace with these changes.

As a broadcast journalism professional of more than three decades and now a college instructor for more than two decades (first as an adjunct and now full-time) I believe it is critically important that in order for SPJ to stay relevant we must continue to stay on top of industry-wide changes. I want to help with guiding SPJ along that path, always with an eye to the future so that the programs we offer and the support we provide remain relevant to both professionals and students.

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At-Large Director
Currently unopposed

Bill McCloskey

Current SPJ Office: At-Large Director on national board, member of the Executive Committee, member of finance and bylaws committees, member emeritus of the communications committee; chair of ad hoc capital expenditures committee; board member D.C. Pro Chapter; board member D.C. SDX Scholarship Foundation, Member SDX Board. Judge in countless Society of Perpetual Judging contests.

Current Employment: Mostly retired, but part-time copy editor at Warren Commuinications-News.

Previous SPJ Experience: Former President SPJ DC Pro Chapter, national Bylaws committee chair; convention parliamentarian.

Previous Work Experience: News Director WASH-FM, Washington, D.C.; APRadio Assistant Managing Editor, AP Writer covering Telecom in Washington; Director of Media Relations for BellSouth Corporation.

Education: B.A. Social Studies, Villanova University.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Wells Key.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: I like to see that the trains run on time. I nit pick the financial and other reports that the board reviews. I have been an SPJ member since 1987 and have institutional knowledge that can keep our distinguished heritage visible to our newer leaders. I am happy to serve on a board that is very collegial.

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Campus Adviser At-Large
Currently unopposed

Rebecca Tallent

Current SPJ Office: Chair, Journalism Education Committee.

Current Employment: University of Idaho where I am an associate professor of Journalism.

Previous SPJ Experience: Past president of the Snake River Pro Chapter (2012) and the Oklahoma City Pro Chapter (1981). Was a 2007 Diversity Leadership Fellow. Have served on the National Ethics Committee (1981-2000), International Journalism (1994-96); Diversity Committee (2007-Present) and the Journalism Education Committee (2007-Present). Was a deputy regional director/Oklahoma in Region 8 from 1981-1992; served as the advisor for the University of Idaho student chapter since 2006.

Previous Work Experience: Reporter for the Oklahoman covering the petroleum industry; Oklahoma Business News covering environmental and the petroleum industry; editor, the Oklahoma Banker magazine; wire editor for the Shawnee (OK) News-Star; free-lance reporter for McGraw-Hill’s Oilgram News and Green Markets and Reuter’s Financial U.S. Also worked in public relations for Oklahoma’s teaching hospitals. As an educator worked part-time for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Oklahoma City campus) from 2001-2006 and full-time for Northwestern Oklahoma State University (1997-98 year).

Education: Doctor of Education, Mass Communications, Oklahoma State University (1995); Master of Education, Journalism, University of Central Oklahoma (1977); Bachelor of Arts — Journalism Education, University of Central Oklahoma (1975).

Honors, Awards and Activities: UI School of Journalism and Mass Media (JAMM) Excellence in Advising, Recruiting and Retention Award, April 2011; Spirit Award for working with UI student athletes, 2009; JAMM Outstanding Service Award, April, 2008; Faculty Member of the year, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Oklahoma City campus), 2003; Oklahoma City SPJ Chapter First Place award large budget non-profit public relations newsletter, 1998-99.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: I joined SPJ as a college student in 1973 and found it was a great way to give back to the industry I love. As a professional, I have worked with two different SPJ pro chapters and four national committees hoping that I could make a difference. As a member of the national J-Ed Committee, I realized that having feet in both academics and the professional world gives me a unique perspective that I could bring to the national Board of Directors. As someone who is involved in journalism from high school up, I know there are a lot of elements we need to consider if we are going to not only recruit, but also retain the best and brightest people as journalists. Just because we are changing platforms doesn’t mean we don’t still need good journalists, and I want to help SPJ keep an eye on this very important need. As a current campus advisor, I know many of the issues students are dealing with on a daily basis and I want to encourage more dialogue between students and professionals to help deal with issues as well as plan for the future.

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Student Representative
Choose two

Michael Auslen

Current SPJ Office: Outgoing president, SPJ at Indiana University.

Current Employment: Investigative reporting intern, USA Today; investigative reporter, Indiana Daily Student; associate editor, Inside magazine.

Previous SPJ Experience: Vice president, SPJ at Indiana University.

Previous Work Experience: Editor-in-chief, Indiana Daily Student; London reporting intern, Dow Jones Newswires; reporting intern, Loveland Reporter-Herald.

Education: Senior at Indiana University, honors B.A. in journalism and political science, certificate in informatics, minors in Spanish and history.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Campus Coverage Project (investigative reporting workshop), Kappa Tau Alpha (journalism honor society), first place recognition for political coverage (Columbia Scholastic Press, Indiana Collegiate Press, SPJ-Indiana), Indiana Collegiate Press Association (former board member).

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: Students are at the core of SPJ. We are not an afterthought, which is why it’s important we are well represented in national leadership. Our society cannot thrive without continued student involvement at all levels and active leadership focused on ensuring a student voice is heard. This is increasingly important as other journalism organizations seek larger student memberships. SPJ needs to establish itself as the strongest journalism organization, which will serve members and provide valuable resources regardless of one’s specialization. I love SPJ, and I love journalism. These passions certainly don’t set me apart in an SPJ election, but they give me the drive to represent students and student interests on our national board.

Lindsey Cook

Current SPJ Office: Region 3 assistant director.

Current Employment: Interactivity intern at The Washington Post.

Previous SPJ Experience: Will Write For Food web editor (2012), MediAtlanta presenter (2013)

Previous Work Experience: Intern at Voice of America, TV to Africa (2012). Multimedia editor and staff writer at The University of Georgia student newspaper, The Red & Black (2012 - 2010). Online news intern at Online Athens (2011).

Education: Current student at The University of Georgia Honors Program majoring in journalism and computer science.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Online News Association at UGA president and founder, selected for ONA Google Student Newsroom (2012). Cox-Poynter Leader (2013).

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: When The Red & Black's student editors walked out of the newsroom because of editorial control last August, SPJ helped us by covering the dilemma, providing advice, and giving a well-needed shove in the right direction. I've enjoyed giving back to the organization as region 3 assistant director, and as a student board representative, I hope to strengthen ties with other journalism organizations, support press freedom at student newspapers, and help the organization adapt to online journalism.

Michael Periatt

Current SPJ Office: None.

Current Employment: Associate reporter for MLB.com covering the Boston Red Sox.

Previous SPJ Experience: Public Relations Chair for the Ohio State University Chapter during the 2012-13 school year. OSU Chapter member since 2011.

Previous Work Experience: Managing editor for The Lantern (Ohio State's student newspaper) 2012-13 school year; Breaking news intern Cox Media Group (Dayton Daily News, Dayton CBS affiliate) summer 2012; Assistant sports editor for The Lantern, 2011-2012 school year; Digital media intern at Hubbard Radio in Cincinnati, summer 2011.

Education: Fourth-year student in journalism at Ohio State University.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Second place in SPJ Mark of Excellence Awards for college sports columns, Marsha S. Bosley Journalism scholarship, Tom Wilson's Sports Writing Scholarship, Honor's College at Ohio State.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: I am surrounded by so many talented and hardworking journalists at Ohio State and would like to introduce them to as many opportunities as possible. As a student representative my goal would be to create a more informed and more qualified journalism community. I am committed and passionate about journalism and want to help ensure that young journalists are adequately prepared to not only enter the profession but make it better. That means doing good reporting in an ethical way. By helping to educate and link students to professionals in the field, I believe I could ensure the development of the next generation of journalists.

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Region 2 Director
Currently unopposed

Andy Schotz

Current SPJ Office: Outgoing past president, Washington, D.C., Pro chapter.

Current Employment: Assistant managing editor, The Gazette newspapers, Gaithersburg, Md.

Previous SPJ Experience: SPJ Ethics Committee chairman (2008-2011) and member (2004-11); Washington, D.C., Pro chapter president (2008-11) and other chapter positions since 2004; perennial SPJ contest judge (D.C. Pro’s Dateline Awards contest swap, SDX, Mark of Excellence, Green Eyeshade); Mark of Excellence Region 2 contest coordinator (2012 and 2013); organized programs for national and regional conferences; D.C. Pro Hall of Fame dinner chairman (2012 and 2013).

Previous Work Experience: Reporter, The Herald-Mail (daily newspaper), Hagerstown, Md. 2000-13; reporter/editor, The Altamont Enterprise (weekly newspaper), Altamont, N.Y. (1992-2000).

Education: Bachelor’s degree, University at Albany in Albany, N.Y.; semester abroad at Ealing College, London, England.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Various writing and photography awards from New York Press Association, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press Association, Chesapeake region of The Associated Press; board member, International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: I ran last year for the national board of directors because of the strong resistance I saw against letting SPJ members without a chapter have a say in SPJ’s governance.

In 2011, through SPJ’s rarely used petition process, I secured support from several large and small chapters to force a vote among delegates at the national convention, overturning the unfair ban. Now, all SPJ members, not just delegates, can vote for national officers and board members. I lost in last year's at-large director race to Carl Corry, but I was pleased to hear from so many people who were glad they finally had a chance to vote in a national SPJ election.

SPJ offers a great deal, but also has areas that need improvement, such as a membership accounting system that frequently frustrates chapter leaders.

Most of what I wrote last year for my candidacy also still applies: I’ve attended SPJ board meetings and watched online for fun (kind of). I enjoy the intricacies of Robert’s Rules. I listen, calmly. I might answer your emails while doing SPJ tasks at 3 a.m. I dislike the interpersonal politics of organizations. I have thick skin. (2013 update: I am mostly cured of the 3 a.m. emails.)

This year, because I'm running for a different position, I'll add that I feel well suited to be a director for Region 2 based on my years of work within the D.C. Pro chapter, one of the nation's largest.

I've had great talks with and learned from outgoing Region 2 Director Brian Eckert and his predecessor, Ann Augherton. Both were very good in the position.

Besides the D.C. Pro chapter, which I know well, I have had chances to interact with several other Region 2 chapters, including Maryland Pro, Virginia Pro, University of Maryland, Towson U., Georgetown U., and American U. I won't hesitate to speak up as a voice for the region on the national board.

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Region 3 Director
Currently unopposed

Michael Koretzky

Current SPJ Office: Region 3 director.

Current Employment: Editor in chief, Lifestyle Magazine Group, South Florida.

Previous SPJ Experience: South Florida board member (2005-2007), national at-large director (2008-2010), South Florida president (2011).

Previous Work Experience: Athens Daily News reporter (1989-1990), Sun Sentinel reporter (1990-1992), iCE Magazine editor and publisher (1992-1994), XS Magazine entertainment editor (1994-1997), Palm Beach Free Press editor (1998-2000), FAU University Press adviser (1998-2010), Jazziz Magazine associate editor and managing editor (2000-2008), Globe, Star, National Enquirer copyeditor (2002-2009), Money Talks News editor (2010-2012)

Education: University of Florida (1983-1989), didn't graduate.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Last year, outgoing SPJ president John Ensslin gave me an empty cigar box with one cigar scotch-taped to the top. He called it the "Out of the Box Award." But he never told me what happened to the rest of the cigars.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: I enjoy debating annual report requirements, star ranking systems, and inactive chapter reporting criteria. To a lesser degree, I want SPJ to wield new media as deftly as it encourages its members to. I also want to pimp creative programming that goes far beyond speeches, lectures, panel discussions, and symposiums. Finally, I hear there are groupies.

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Region 6 Director
Currently unopposed

Joseph Radske

Current Employment:News Director, WKOW-TV; Madison, WI.

Previous SPJ Experience: Vice President, SPJ - Madison Pro Chapter.

Previous Work Experience: News Director, KPTM - Omaha, NE , 2006-2010; News Director, WVTV, Milwaukee, WI, 2003-2006; Executive Producer, KMSP, Minneapolis, MN, 1992 - 2002.

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communications, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.

Honors, Awards and Activities: President-Elect, Northwest Broadcast News Association, SPJ - Madison Pro Chapter (Vice President, 2010-2013), SPJ-University of Wisconsin, Madison (Student Advisor), RTDNA (Ethics Seminar Presenter, 2012, 2013), Kneeland Project for Responsible Journalism (Class of 2005), FBI Citizen's Academy (Milwaukee, Omaha Graduate).

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: Journalists ask me, "What do I get out of membership in SPJ?". I say it's not just what you get but you what give back. We all subscribe to a journalists responsibility to stay grounded in ethics and protect the public trust. I am seeking the Region 6 Director's office to provide every journalist the opportunity to make a difference everyday. We all have the tools to be excellent in our work. Now it is the time for all of us to take that excellence and pass it along to the journalists in front of us and to follow us.

We are challenged with bringing new members into our organization. I will meet and exceed the challenge by taking that challenge to our members and working journalists. I've been blessed with a remarkable executive committee in the Madison Pro Chapter. Three years ago, it was a chapter staying afloat. We are now bringing awareness and education to journalists across Wisconsin. I've also been give the opportunity to start a second Wisconsin chapter in the Milwaukee area.

I believe that I was born a journalist. The opportunities I've been given have convinced me to give back. My goal as the Region 6 Director will be to grow membership in all Pro and College chapters, take the best of every chapter and share that greatness across the Region and raise awareness of "what SPJ can do for you" to every journalist in Region 6.

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Region 10 Director
Currently unopposed

Pia Hallenberg

Current SPJ Office: Co-president of the Inland Northwest Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Current Employment: Staff writer, The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.

Previous SPJ Experience: Served on the board of Inland Northwest Pro since 1996, including three terms as president and now a fourth as co-president. Scripps Leadership graduate. Region 10 spring conference chair three times — most recently in spring of 2013. National convention delegate.

Previous Work Experience: 1998-2004, news reporter and associate editor for the free alternative newsweekly, The Inlander; 2004 to present, features editor, columnist, general assignment reporter, neighborhood blogger, online TV (KHQ-TV) and hyper local news reporter at The Spokesman-Review.

Education: Double bachelors degree in journalism and sociology, Summa Cum Laude, Eastern Washington University, 1998.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Leadership Spokane graduate 2006. Spent a month at the Lesotho newspaper, The Public Eye, as a journalism and English teacher (2006). Born and raised in Denmark.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: I’ve been involved in SPJ since I was a journalism student and I’ve worked both for a free alternative weekly and for a mid-size daily paper as a reporter, editor and manager, and I’m now venturing into online TV. I can’t think of a business that’s changed as fast and furiously as the media business over the past 20 years — and in order to stay successful SPJ needs to respond to these changes. During a time where major media outlets are first yet wrong, time and time again, it’s more important than ever that we uphold high standards for journalism training and ethics. And that we continue to help train our friends and colleagues.

Region 10 is comprised of five gorgeous yet huge and sparsely populated states and we have seen chapter after chapter become inactive or cut way back on its activities as newsrooms have gone through downsizings or closed. And there are very few active college chapters left. As Region 10 Director I want to help the smaller chapters become as successful as they once were; I want to make sure each college with a journalism program has an SPJ chapter and I want to bring continued education and training to all areas of my region. I promise you I will listen, and I will get things done.

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Region 11 Director
Currently unopposed

Elizabeth Smith

Current SPJ Office: Adviser of Pepperdine University's student chapter.

Current Employment: Professor of Journalism, Director of Pepperdine Graphic Media.

Previous SPJ Experience: None.

Previous Work Experience: Freelance Writer, Editor, Producer, Los Angeles, CA, 2004- present; Producer, KTLA, Los Angeles, CA, 2009 to 2011; Writer, KTLA, Los Angeles, CA, 2005 to 2011; Web Producer, KTLA, Los Angeles, CA, 2005 to 2010; Copy Editor, Newport Daily News, Newport, RI, 2000 to 2002.

Education: Ed.D. in Learning Technologies, Pepperdine University, Los Angeles, CA, in progress; M.A., Intercultural Communication, Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA, 2003; Thesis: The Dependency of African Americans on Daily Newspapers and the Role of Perceived Bias and the Use of Alternative Media; B.A., Journalism, Harding University, Searcy, AR, 2000.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Emmy Award, Writer, Unplanned Breaking News Event, The Death of Michael Jackson, KTLA, Los Angeles, 2009; Recipient, Graduate Assistantship Award, Pepperdine University, 2002-2003; Outstanding Adjunct Professor, Pepperdine University, Spring 2004; New England Associated Press, Feature Design, 3rd Place, 2001.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: As regional director of District 11 I hope to help unify SPJ's membership of journalists to address concerns unique the western United States and to have a voice in emerging issues for the entire organization. My specific area of interest and concern is ethics in online journalism. I believe that its our responsibility to consider the changing needs of the audience and the possibility of the technology. I want to have a voice in shaping these changes, and I want to help others voice their experiences and concerns.

Having spent much of my career in Southern California I care deeply about the issues and concerns that are unique to the western region of the United States.

Since a college student studying and practicing journalism, SPJ has been a monolith of journalism discussions, ethics and accuracy. I want to help insure that this reputation and work continues.

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Region 12 Director
Currently unopposed

Tony Hernandez

Current SPJ Office: Region 12 director.

Current Employment: County reporter, Northwest Arkansas Times, Fayetteville, Ark.

Previous SPJ Experience: Vice president, Northwest Arkansas Pro Chapter, 2011-12.

Previous Work Experience: Managing editor, The Southwest Times, Liberal, Kan., 2009-10; Education reporter, Rio Grande SUN, Española, N.M., 2009.

Education: Bachelor's degree in communication-journalism, University of Houston, 2008.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Ted Scripps Leadership Institute graduate, 2012;  Diversity Leadership Fellow, 2012.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: I hope to continue serving journalists in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. I've met some great SPJ members and leaders throughout the region, and hope to continue working with them.

In less than a year as Region 12 director, I've learned a tremendous amount about the basic duties required of the region director: conference planning, contest administration and SPJ's missions and policies at the national level.

I think, in a time with shrinking newsroom budgets for training, SPJ's resources in this region can help fill that gap for student and pro journalists looking for the latest professional development opportunities.

Thanks to the support of the University of Mississippi, our conference in Oxford this year was a success, but I also recognize that it can be financially difficult for journalist to travel for training. That's why I also hope to work with local chapter to provide grants from the region fund to help with activities and programs.

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Questions?

Call the Election Hotline, 317-721-8009, or send us an e-mail.