For Immediate Release:
9/7/08

Contact:
Scott Leadingham, SPJ Communications Coordinator, (509) 859-2818, sleadingham@spj.org


ATLANTA – The Society of Professional Journalists, one of the nation’s largest and most broad-based journalism-advocacy organizations, is pleased to honor Arlington (Va.) Catholic Herald managing editor Ann Augherton as the 2008 Regional Director of the Year.

As director of SPJ’s Region 2, Ann helps to steer the Society’s work in Delaware, Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. Her efforts take her away from her personal and professional life to serve on SPJ’s national board of directors. Directors also have the responsibility of planning spring conferences and acting as a resource to chapters.

“It’s an honor to be involved with the great people and essential work of SPJ,” said Augherton. “This award helps recognize all the work of people in Region 2, especially the D.C. chapter, that helped make last year’s convention a great success.”

The 2007 SPJ Convention was held in Washington, D.C. and included programming with Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein.

As an award-winning writer, Augherton has had freelance articles and photographs published by several media outlets, including the Catholic News Service. A lifelong resident of the Washington, D.C. area, she has traveled extensively on international assignments in Europe, the developing world, Asia and most recently to the Middle East.

Augherton was a student SPJ member while earning her degree in journalism at George Washington University and returned as a professional SPJ member several years ago. She served in several positions with SPJ’s Washington D.C. Pro chapter, including two terms as president.

SPJ honors one outstanding regional director each year for exceptional service and contributions to their region and the Society during the preceding year. Nominations for the award may be made by chapters or members. Augherton was honored at a dinner Saturday, Sept. 6, during the 2008 SPJ Convention & National Journalism Conference in Atlanta.

Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well informed citizenry; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. For more information about SPJ, please visit www.spj.org.

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