Meet the candidates

Secretary-Treasurer

Bruce Cadwallader

Current SPJ Office: Chairman, National Legal Defense Fund Committee

Previous SPJ Experience: Region 4 Director, 1999-2004; national Legal Defense Fund committee chairman twice; national membership committee chairman; local chairman of the host committee for the 2000 National SPJ Convention in Columbus, Ohio; former president, vice-president, secretary, board member, Central Ohio Pro Chapter; SPJ member since 1982.

Current Employment: Staff reporter, The Columbus Dispatch, Columbus, Ohio (1985-present)

Past Work Experience: Bureau correspondent, Columbus Citizen-Journal, Columbus, Ohio, May-July 1983; Staff Reporter, The Lima News, Lima, Ohio, July 1983 to August 1985. Guest television and radio appearances on CNN, Fox News, NBC Today Show, WBNS-TV (Columbus CBS affiliate), Ohio News Network (ONN).

Education: B.S. in Journalism, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, 1983.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Region 4 Pro member of the year, 1995; Howard Dubin Outstanding Pro Chapter Member, 1998; repeat award-winning journalist in criminal justice categories for the Cleveland Press Club, Associated Press, and Ohio SPJ awards.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: I have no political agenda. I simply believe working journalists should seek out and commit to volunteer work in the vehicle that will improve their profession. I believe SPJ is that vehicle. After nearly a quarter-century of service to SPJ, I believe I am the most qualified candidate to step into the next level of leadership in the Society. I am committed to this profession and to my colleagues. SPJ membership will always compete against special-interest journalism organizations, but it should be the most respected, with a lobbying force that public officials must reckon with when they refuse access to public meetings or information. The public should hear our message, too, to help them better understand the role of the press in a free society. The national Society should be taking a leadership stance on issues, from City Hall to Capitol Hill, that face the average working journalist every day. I am that working journalist. As an SPJ leader I want to make sure our headquarters staff provides the best service to our members while maintaining an efficient use of resources. I am not afraid to try new initiatives, but I won’t be quick to change what works. Long live SPJ and its ideals!

Secretary-Treasurer

John D. Hopkins

Current SPJ Offices: Membership vice president, South Florida Pro Chapter; Member, national Membership and International Journalism committees.

Previous SPJ Experience: Chairman, International Journalism Committee, three years; vice-chairman, two years. Terms as president and vice president, Greater Miami Pro Chapter, and as director (multiple terms) and newsletter editor (three years) for South Florida Pro chapter.

Employment: Retired July 2005, Miami Herald Presentation Desk

Past Work Experience: Assistant news editor, Miami News, 1979-1990; Writer-editor, Associated Press, 1974-79; freelancer in Virginia; state manager, News Election Service; reporter at The Times, Hammond, Ind., and the Richmond (Va.) News Leader

Education: B.A. journalism, University of Richmond; Summer program in Caribbean history, Johns Hopkins University

Honors, Awards and Activities: Shared in Herald staff’s Pulitzers for Hurricane Andrew (1992) and Elian Gonzalez (2000); Outstanding Pro Chapter Member, 1995; Larry Strum Award for (South Florida) Chapter Service, 1998; SPJ President’s Award, 2001

Why I’m Seeking This SPJ Office: Journalism’s role in democracy is threatened both by a decline in public trust and by investors’ fixation on quarterly profits. The profit squeeze and the decline in trust are related, and so widespread that attention is needed throughout the industry – from boardrooms to the tiniest bureau. Only SPJ has the base to reach and effectively speak for every level and type of news medium. SPJ has a tradition of encouraging ethical, high-quality journalism, and can do significantly more if we aid and empower members and leaders.

Director At-Large

Brian Eckert

Current SPJ Offices: Immediate past-president, Virginia Pro Chapter; board of directors, Richmond SPJ-SDX Educational Foundation.

Previous SPJ Experience: Member since 1987; Virginia Pro Chapter treasurer (2001-02), vice president, (2002-03), president (2003-05); Region 2 conference committee, 2002, 2003; Ted Scripps Leadership Seminar scholar, 2004, facilitator, 2005.

Current Employment: Director of media and public relations, University of Richmond.

Past Work Experience: Graduate intern/freelance reporter, Voice of America, London, England, 1989; news/program/production director, WHSP-TV, Vineland-Philadelphia-Atlantic City, 1981-88; anchor-producer, N.J. Public Television, Trenton, N.J., 1979-81; news director, Radio Station WJJZ, Mt. Holly, N.J., 1979-80; Philadelphia bureau chief, OAG Travel Magazines,1979-88; assistant editor, TravelScene Magazine, New York, N.Y., 1978; freelance writer-editor, 1976-78; reporter, Burlington County Herald, Mt. Holly, N.J., 1976; public relations/consumer affairs at Wake Forest University, US Airways.

Education: B.A. in English, Wake Forest University, 1976; Reuters Fellow in journalism and international relations, University of Oxford, England, 1988-89.

Honors, Awards and Activities: SPJ National Outstanding Small Chapter of the Year, 2002-03; Region 2 outstanding small chapter, 2000-02; Rotary Foundation Journalism Scholar, 1988, University of Oxford, England; national awards for video production, Admissions Marketing Report, Council for Advancement and Support of Education; honorary member, Golden Key International Honor Society; CASE, IABC Best of Virginia, EdPress excellence in feature writing awards; Va. State Bar Standing Committee on Lawyer Advertising and Solicitation, lay member 2002-04

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: I want to blend my news and corporate communications experience to help lead SPJ to be a more powerful voice in national news issues. I hope also to be a voice for freelancers, retirees and communications professionals, who retain their active membership and participation in SPJ out of strong belief in the society’s mission.

Director At-Large

Molly McDonough

Current SPJ Office: Past president, Chicago Headline Club, immediate past president, Chicago Headline Club Foundation.

Current Employment: Legal affairs reporter, ABA Journal and ABA Journal eReport, Chicago, Ill.

Previous SPJ Experience: While 2002-2003 president of the Chicago Headline Club and previously as head of membership and programs, I raised membership by more than 23 percent in part by increasing the club’s profile and its FOI initiatives, which SPJ recognized with a 2003 Sunshine Award. I oversaw the launch of a successful annual journalism education series and lifetime achievement awards banquet; led initiatives that raised more than $2,500 for SPJ’s Legal Defense Fund; and oversaw the creation of a program that has raised thousands of dollars for journalism scholarship. I also was appointed to serve on an SPJ committee to reassess and improve Quill magazine.

Past Work Experience: Assistant editor/reporter, American Lawyer Media, 1999-2001; reporter, Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, 1998-1999; reporter, Post-Tribune in Northwest Indiana, 1997-1998; reporter, Spartanburg, S.C., Herald-Journal, 1994-1997; reporter, Florence, S.C., Morning News, 1993-1994.

Education: B.S. in Psychology with double major in Communications from Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Various writing awards and SPJ chapter accolades. In my two years as ex-officio past president of the CHC, I launched the Chicago Headline Club Foundation and served as its first president. I currently serve on the CHCF board, where I am directing the creation of a new investigative journalism award and fund.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: There is no better time than now to strengthen SPJ as a voice of the profession, to press for open access to government and public information, to educate the next generation of reporters, to diversify our newsrooms, to be responsive when journalists behave badly and to stand up for those who face barriers to good reporting. A stronger SPJ will go a long way toward achieving these results and I know I can contribute leadership, ideas and energy to that effort. I’m a longtime reporter who knows the thrill and rewards of being part of a profession that is so important to this country that it is specifically protected by the Constitution.

Director At-Large

Jim Parker

Current SPJ Office: Director At-Large, serving on the board’s finance and executive committees

Previous SPJ Experience: Have served on SPJ’s national board for roughly 15 years in both At-Large and Regional director capacities; Broadcast Membership Committee co-chair, Taishoff Broadcasting Seminars; chairman, past president of two different local chapters.

Current Employment: News & Operations Manager, KGW-TV, Belo Interactive, Portland, Ore.

Past Work Experience: Career has spanned approximately 20 years in online, television and radio journalism. I have worked as a major-market executive producer for a network-owned and operated station group, as well as a news director at stations in numerous Midwestern and East Coast markets.

Education: Fellow, Business of Online Journalism, University of Southern California; B.A. in Communication, University of Toledo; LBJ Congressional Fellowship Program, Georgetown University.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Have won awards spanning the gamut including Sigma Delta Chi, Emmys, Murrows and AP. In recent years, my examination of broadcast industry consolidation and its impact on journalism has been published in the Federal Communications Law Journal, and I have served as a guest lecturer and broadcast executive-in-residence at the University of Oregon. Was named an Outstanding Young Man of America in 1996 for professional and civic contributions.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: I’ve had the privilege of serving this organization throughout the good times and bad over the years and want to continue my unwavering commitment and support of SPJ’s core missions of freedom of information, ethics and diversity. Further, I seek to ensure continued representation of all facets of journalism among SPJ’s membership from print to broadcast to online and freelance, etc. And lastly, to ensure that the national board and headquarters undertakes those efforts that will truly help strengthen our local chapters and regions, servicing the needs of an ever-growing, diverse membership that shares a core commitment to protecting and improving journalism.

VP for Campus Chapter Affairs

Mead Loop

Current SPJ Office: Campus Adviser At-Large.

Previous SPJ Experience: Founded Ithaca College SPJ chapter, serving as adviser since its inception in 1996.

Current Employment: Associate professor and chairman, Journalism Department, Ithaca College, N.Y.

Past Work Experience: National editor, Nashville Banner; copy editor, Lancaster (Pa.) Intelligencer Journal; Kansas City Times and Kansas City Star.

Education: Master’s degree in journalism, University of Missouri-Columbia; bachelor’s degree in television-radio, Ithaca

Honors, Awards and Activities: Co-chairman, Grants Committee and member of board of directors, Sigma Delta Chi Foundation.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: My goal as Vice President for Campus Chapter Affairs will be to create a body of interested members who will respond to the many First Amendment crises on college campuses. One area SPJ can improve upon is in the process of deciding which campus battles to fight. Previously, SPJ investigated some complaints, other journalism groups did the same, but sometimes events fell through the cracks. I will create a group for interested journalism organizations, such as the Student Press Law Center, College Media Advisors and SPJ, so that we can share resources and respond better. I will push SPJ headquarters to host a member listserv, and build a network of professors, professionals and First Amendment advocates, a committee of interested parties who should be able to respond to more events in a more timely fashion. I note that SPJ will be electing a professor as president at this convention, and David Carlson’s election represents an acknowledgment of the role that SPJ plays on college campuses. My goal as VPCCA is for SPJ to become an even more influential advocate for the First Amendment. I look forward to the opportunity. Thank you.

Campus Representative

Sarah E. Bauer

Current SPJ Office: President, University of Minnesota SPJ

Previous SPJ Experience: Fundraising chairperson, University of Minnesota SPJ, 2004-2005

Current Employment: Full-time student at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; Staff Operations Specialist, Minnesota News Council; Editorial Writer, The Wake Student Magazine.

Education: Will graduate from the University of Minnesota in May 2006 with bachelor’s degrees in Mass Communication and Philosophy. Graduated from Hastings High School, Hastings, MN, 2002.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Minnesota SPJ Pro Chapter Scholarship recipient, 2005; Attended the Ted Scripps Leadership Institute, June 2005. Volunteer at the Jane Addams School for Democracy in St. Paul, MN.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: Today, young journalists and journalism students face a public who has less trust in the media than ever before. Yet, good journalism is absolutely necessary and more important to the public than ever before. Students and young journalists must be equipped with certain tools — professional mentors, a strong sense of journalistic ethics and a commitment to the First Amendment — in order to succeed during this turbulent time. SPJ is an organization that fully supports students with educational, leadership and professional programs and opportunities. As a national student representative, I will stay in touch with each of the student chapter leaders, get to get to know them and understand their needs, and make sure that each chapter has the ability to offer their members these important learning opportunities. I will act as their voice within the national SPJ organization, maintaining the close and important link between journalism professionals and their student counterparts.

Campus Representative

Ashlee Clark

Current SPJ Office: President, SPJ student chapter, Western Kentucky University.

Previous SPJ Experience: Member since 2003.

Current employment: Metro/features intern, Lexington Herald-Leader, Lexington, Ky.; news editor, College Heights Herald, Western Kentucky University.

Past work experience: Metro intern, Evansville Courier & Press, Evansville, Ind., 2004; News reporter, College Heights Herald, Western Kentucky University, 2003-05.

Education: Seeking bachelor’s degree in news/editorial journalism and sociology, Western Kentucky University.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Ninth place, Spot News Writing, Hearst Journalism Awards, 2005; Third place, Ongoing News, Kentucky Press Association, 2004; delegate, SPJ Leadership Conference, 2004; volunteer, Potter Children’s Home and Family Ministries, 2004-present

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: More and more young people have started turning their backs to the news. Students are putting down newspapers and turning off television network news, feeling as though current events are something they can’t relate to. As a student representative for SPJ, I will work to show young people the importance of being aware of the world around them. SPJ has a responsibility to not only protect journalists and act as a government watchdog, but to reach out to readers who may have lost confidence or interest in the news. I plan on trying to involve more young readers in the work SPJ does through forums about journalism issues. I will also encourage journalism students to become more involved in the organization so they can learn more about their profession and meet others with the same interests.

Campus Representative

Drew Sanholm

Current SPJ Office: St. Cloud State University, chapter immediate past-president

Previous SPJ Experience: Member since 2002; SCSU chapter treasurer, 2003; SCSU chapter president, 2004-05.

Current Employment: Student, SCSU, St. Cloud, MN; intern, ABC News’ GMA, New York.

Past Work Experience: Intern, WCCO-TV, Minneapolis, MN, 2004; intern, KMSP-TV, Minneapolis, MN, 2003.

Education: In-progress: bachelor’s degrees in mass communications, with emphasis in TV journalism and English, SCSU, St. Cloud, MN.

Honors, Awards and Activities: News director and anchor/reporter, UTVS- TV, SCSU; staff writer, University Chronicle, SCSU.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: Journalists face more adversities now than ever before. As the largest broad-based journalism organization in the nation, we have an obligation to “improve and protect” our field. This is an organization journalists often say is “good.” I think it’s better than that. Following Sonya Smith’s devoted leadership, I want to bridge the gap between students and professionals by catering to the needs of every student chapter on a case-by-case basis. No chapter should be left behind. From Alaska to Florida and everywhere in between, the smallest chapters deserve as much, if not more attention as the largest ones and I will ensure that happens. To do so, increasing and organizing communication, connecting chapter leaders to the national board and headquarters staff and bringing closer together journalists from every medium are my main goals. As a national student representative, I’ll continue to provide increased support, organization and effectiveness to the Society. This is an organization journalists say is “good.” I think we’re better than that and will look for ways to improve our already outstanding club. To do so, I hope you will vote and work with me to take SPJ to the next level.

Adviser At-Large

Sue Kopen Katcef

Current SPJ Office: Faculty adviser, University of Maryland SPJ; corresponding secretary, DC Pro Chapter; scholarship chairperson, Maryland Pro Chapter

Previous SPJ Experience: Member since 1974; President, MD Pro Chapter, 1987-1991; MD Pro Chapter membership chairperson, 1993-1995; co-chairperson SPJ National Convention, Baltimore, 1992; chairperson, SPJ Region 2 Conference, 1985, 1989, 2001; coordinator for SPJ/Baltimore-Washington cameras in the courtroom legislative campaign, 1994-96

Current Employment: Executive producer/lecturer Philip Merrill College of Journalism, University of Maryland (College Park); freelance reporter/

anchor, WBAL Radio, Baltimore

Past Work Experience: WBAL Radio, Baltimore, 1992-1999, reporter/anchor; Maryland Public Television, 1987-1992, reporter/producer; press secretary, Congressman Ben Cardin, Jan. 1987-Dec. 1987; press/legislative aide MD House Speaker Ben Cardin, Sept. 1985-Dec. 1986; WCBM Radio, Baltimore, reporter/anchor, April 1976-Sept. 1979, Feb. 1980-Sept. 1985; WJZ Television, Baltimore, general assignment reporter, Sept. 1979-Feb. 1980.

Education: B.S. Journalism, University of Maryland, College Park. Spring 1976

Honors, Awards and Activities: SPJ Distinguished Teaching in Journalism Award, 2002-2003; SPJ David L. Eshelman Outstanding Campus Adviser, 2001-2002; University of Maryland Panhellenic Association Outstanding Faculty Member, 2002, 1990; SPJ Howard Dubin Outstanding Professional Chapter Member, 1994; Nominee Outstanding Instructor and Outstanding Adviser, University of Maryland Parents’ Association, Spring 2001; Silver Telly Award, 2003; Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Awards 2000, 1999, 1995, 1983, 1980, 1979; New York Festivals Bronze Medal, radio documentary, 1999; RTNDA Regional Awards 1999, 1997, 1996; MD SPJ Reporting Awards 1999, 1996, 1994, 1983; American Bar Association Gavel Award, 1981; Maryland Bar Association Gavel Awards 1999, 1997, 1996, 1994, 1993, 1983, 1980; Corporation for Public Broadcasting Silver Awards, 1993, 1990; UPI Maurice Williams Award for Enterprise Reporting, 1980

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: Never has it been more important to nurture and encourage young journalists. They are entering the profession at a time when their jobs and lives are often on the line. Students need to develop the skills and leadership abilities to handle the many hurdles that may be thrown at them along their career path. Our student chapters must continue to be strong, both in number as well as in programming. I want to make certain that students and advisers are provided with the tools and ideas to help them continue to grow and develop. I also want to make sure that we work to avoid SPJ “burn out.” Our student chapters hold the SPJ leaders of tomorrow. I want to challenge our students but also make certain there’s something left to give when they make the crossover from student to professional.

Adviser At-Large

Neil Ralston

Current SPJ Office: Campus Adviser At-Large.

Previous SPJ Experience: Chapter adviser, Northwestern State University, 1999-present; chapter adviser, Truman State University, 1989-1999; 1998 Region VII Conference organizer; Region VII Mark of Excellence contest coordinator, 1994-1996.

Current Employment: Assistant professor of journalism, Northwestern State University — Louisiana.

Past Work Experience: Six-week reporting/copyediting fellowship, the Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader, summer 2003; reporter, San Antonio (Texas) Light, 1985-1989; reporter, photographer and editor for daily and weekly newspapers in Texas, Louisiana, Illinois and Missouri, 1978-84.

Education: Ph.D., journalism, the University of Missouri-Columbia, 2002; master’s, journalism, The Ohio State University, 1985; B.A. communication, and B.S. industrial technology (electronics), Northeast Missouri State University, 1978.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Fellowship, Institute for Journalism Excellence, 2003; David L. Eshelman Outstanding Campus Advisor, SPJ, 1999; fellowship, Kiplinger Program in Public Affairs Reporting, 1984-1985.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: I want to help the Society continue to provide for the needs of journalism students. And as we proceed down that path, I believe our greatest challenge will be to protect student journalists from censorship efforts. Governmental control of the student press has been a growing problem in recent years, and earlier this year a federal appeals court ruled that public colleges may censor student journalists in the same way that high schools can censor high school students. The court’s decision signals a need for SPJ to take a bigger role – a leading role – in defending student expression.

Region 2 Director

Ann Augherton

Current SPJ Office: Region 2 Director.

Previous SPJ Experience: Washington, D.C., Pro Chapter President, two terms, 2001-03; D.C. vice president and program chairperson, 2000-01; D.C. corresponding secretary, 1999-2000.

Current Employment: Managing editor, Arlington Catholic HERALD.

Past Work Experience: Managing editor, reporter, photographer, Arlington Catholic HERALD; staff writer Alexandria Port Packet; freelance writing.

Education: B.A. in journalism, minors in French and psychology, George Washington University, Washington, D.C.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Catholic Press Association writing awards; delegate to the East Asia Journalism Forum, Seoul, South Korea, 2004; UCIP (L’Union Catholique Internationale de la Presse) scholarship winner for three-week study tour of Central America, 2003; speaker at Conference on Globalization and Mass Media, Athens, Greece, 2003.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: After serving SPJ for several years in various capacities, I am even more enthused about making a difference in both the local chapter and the region. As regional director, I hope to continue being a link between the members and the national organization. Through building membership, helping student chapters get organized and promoting awareness of SPJ, I will work to ensure that the name SPJ is synonymous with fostering professionalism, being a resource for journalists and ensuring press rights.

Region 3 Director

Holly Fisher

Current SPJ Office: Region 3 director, 2001-present; SDX Foundation board of directors, 2002-present.

Current Employment: Supplements Editor, Charleston Regional Business Journal, S.C.

Previous SPJ Experience: SPJ board of director’s executive committee, 2003-2004; past experience as a campus and professional chapter board member and president.

Past Work Experience: Former editor, The Convergence Newsletter; former news editor, The Summerville Journal Scene, S.C.; former news editor, The Goose Creek Gazette, S.C.; former staff writer, The San Angelo Standard-Times, Texas.

Education: B.S. in journalism, Ohio University; Master of Mass Communication, University of South Carolina (as of August 2005).

Honors, Awards and Activities: 2001 South Carolina Press Association Journalist of the Year – Weekly Division; 2001 South Carolina Press Association Awards – 3rd Place in Column Writing; 2001 South Carolina Press Association Awards – 3rd Place in Page One Design; 2002 South Carolina Press Association Awards – 2nd Place in Enterprise Reporting; 2003 SPJ Regional Director of the Year; Former board member, Dorchester, S.C. Habitat for Humanity; Former volunteer, American Cancer Society Relay for Life

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: I’ve spent the last four years as a member of SPJ’s Board of Directors as the Region 3 Director. While so much has been accomplished, there is more yet to do. In my own region, I have student and professional chapters to develop. I enjoy visiting chapters and working with leaders to build strong chapters that attract more members to our great society. On a national level, journalism is facing serious threats and SPJ is the organization to combat those threats and uphold the principles of journalism. In addition, I have been working with other young journalists in the development of Generation J, a SPJ committee dedicated to providing professional development programs, resources and advice to young professionals. Our young members need additional resources and support as they enter their careers — Generation J can provide that.

Region 6 Director

Gordon Govier

Current SPJ Office: President, Madison, Wis., Pro Chapter

Previous SPJ Experience: Elected Chapter Vice-President in 1995, became Chapter President later in 1995. I have attended the majority of national and Region 6 conventions over the past 10 years.

Current Employment: Web editor, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

Past Work Experience: News Director, WNWC radio-Madison Wis., 1982-2004; radio news reporter in Oshkosh Wis., Rockford, Ill., Madison Wis., Lincoln, Neb., 1974-1982. Also a freelance writer, newsletter editor and radio producer.

Education: B.A., University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1973

Honors, Awards and Activities: 2002 “Eric Sevareid Award” double winner (Northwest Broadcast News Association), best feature and best audio; 1998 Led Planning & Hosting for SPJ Region 6 Conference, National SPJ Small Chapter of the Year award; Columnist and stringer for The Capital Times newspaper; Archaeology correspondent for Christianity Today magazine.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: Everyone who believes in journalism needs to step forward at this challenging time. I feel my 10 years of leadership experience with SPJ will be useful at the board level and as well as working with the leaders of local chapters. SPJ is the best organization for developing journalists at the local level, as well as for speaking out for journalism at the national level. I want to do more to insure that the role of journalism remains a key part of our national heritage and I think I can do that best by remaining active in SPJ.

Region 10 director

Nathan Isaacs

Current SPJ Office: William O. Douglas SPJ Pro Chapter board member.

Previous SPJ Experience: President of W.O.D. chapter 2003-04; president of University of Washington SPJ student chapter 1999-00.

Current Employment: Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, Wash.

Past Work Experience: 2000 internship with The Oregonian, Portland; 1999 internship with The (Longview, Wash.) Daily News; 1997-2000 student; 1991-1997 U.S. Navy submarine sailor.

Education: B.A. editorial journalism, University of Washington, 2000.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: I am very interested in becoming Region 10’s next director. We have some fun and exciting challenges ahead that I could successfully manage collaboratively with the chapters. I want to continue the region’s long tradition of excellent journalism and represent the region’s united voice on SPJ’s national board. And if you vote for me, all your wildest dreams will come true (OK, I borrowed the last bit from Napoleon Dynamite).

Region 11 Director

Paul McAfee

Current SPJ Office: Past president and board member, Inland Southern California Professional Chapter

Previous SPJ Experience: Past President, Inland So. Cal. Pro Chapter, three years; chapter treasurer, one year; chapter member, eight years

Current Employment: News/Operations Manager, PE.com (The Press-Enterprise, Riverside, Calif.)

Past Work Experience: Editor, The Business Press, Ontario, Calif., 1995-2000; News Editor, Metro Editor and Business Editor, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Ontario, Calif., 1988-1995; Assistant City Editor, City News Service, Los Angeles, Calif., 1987; City Editor and Assistant City Editor, Southeast News-Signal, South Gate, Calif., 1980-85

Education: Bachelor’s degree in English, Biola University, La Mirada, Calif., 1978.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Outstanding Small Chapter, SPJ Region XI, 1999-2000 and 2002-03 (I was chapter president in those terms); Member, Newspaper Association of America’s New Media Federation. Member, Online News Association.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: Both professional and student chapters benefit from an active, engaged regional director who is there for them when they need support, an advocate, or simply another helping hand. As director of Region 11, I will communicate directly and often with the leadership of each chapter in the region. I’ll be there to lend support or guidance, advocate for each of the chapters on the national level, and roll up my sleeves and assist with chapter projects to help ensure their success. In addition to frequent phone and e-mail contact, I plan to visit each chapter personally during my term of office to lend support and encouragement to chapter leaders face-to-face.

Region 12 Director

Clint Brewer

Current SPJ Office: Region 12 Director since 2003.

Previous SPJ Experience: President, Middle Tennessee Pro Chapter 1998.

Current Employment: Managing Editor, The Lebanon Democrat (daily) in Lebanon, Tennessee since 2002.

Past Work Experience: Reporter, Lebanon Democrat 1996-2000; News Editor, Gallatin News Examiner, 2000; Publisher, Mount Juliet News, 2000-02.

Education: B.S. Communications, University of Tennessee.

Honors, Awards and Activities: Speaker at Investigative Reporters & Editors Conference 2004; Speaker at Tennessee Press Association Conference 2005; Tennessee Press Association Board member since 2003; numerous journalism awards for investigative reporting and editorial writing.

Why I’m seeking this SPJ office: SPJ needs to return its focus to attention as an organization on matters that impact the lives of working journalists and local chapters. We need to be relevant at the local level. It is also important that we grow as a presence on the national scene and become a stronger advocate for free speech and public access.

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