FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Alison Bethel McKenzie, SPJ Executive Director, 317-920-4780, abmckenzie@spj.org
Isaac Taylor, SPJ Communications Coordinator, 317-920-4785, itaylor@spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS — The Society of Professional Journalists is pleased to announce the addition of two seasoned journalists to its national headquarters team.

Starting this month, Lou Harry will take over as Quill editor/program manager, and Matthew Kent will handle the program coordinator responsibilities.

Quill Editor

Lou Harry’s journalism career includes editing stints at Philadelphia magazine, Indianapolis Monthly and the Indianapolis Business Journal along with freelance work for more than 50 publications and websites.

The winner of multiple SPJ awards, Harry has taught writing classes at Temple University, the University of Indianapolis and the Midwest Writers Workshop. He has served as emcee for many fundraisers, has organized conferences and once took a pie in the face from Soupy Sales. During downtime, he enjoys writing plays and trying new board games with friends, family and strangers.

“I look forward to using my talents to publish intelligent, insightful work that the journalism industry needs,” said Harry.

Program Coordinator

Matthew Kent is SPJ’s new awards/programs coordinator overseeing the Society’s annual awards programs and elections. Because SPJ is in the midst of awards season, Kent is diving right in and will handle all questions regarding awards submissions and judging.

A Chicago native, Kent is a graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in English.

“I am excited to be a part of SPJ’s team and look forward to continuing my work in the journalism industry,” Kent said.

Before coming to SPJ, Matthew worked as a reporter at The (Columbus) Republic in Indiana, The Chillicothe Gazette in Chillicothe, Ohio, and several newspapers in Missouri. In his free time, he enjoys live music and attending different festivals and events in the Indianapolis area.

“I say with confidence that Lou and Matthew will push SPJ’s mission forward to the best of their abilities,” said SPJ Executive Director Alison Bethel McKenzie. “Their backgrounds in journalism give them a certain level of relatability you can’t find anywhere else.”

SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund, or give to the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation.

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