SPJ leaders appointed Scott Maben to the national board of directors March 24. He will serve as a regional director for the Society, covering chapters in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Alaska and Oregon.
A deputy city editor for the Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Wash., Maben replaces Tom Henderson, who recently stepped down. Maben will work with SPJ chapters to further the Society’s missions of ethics, freedom of information, diversity and education. Additionally, Maben will represent these chapters and their advocacy efforts to the Society’s national board.
“I’m happy to be back on the SPJ board of directors and look forward to representing the SPJ chapters in my region,” Maben said. “The Northwest members of SPJ are dedicated to this organization and passionate about its mission, and their creative energy is inspiring. It’s a good place to be involved with a professional organization devoted to bettering journalism and journalists.”
Maben is no stranger to SPJ’s leadership. He joined the organization in 1987 as a student at the University of Oregon, where he served as a campus chapter president. In 2004-05, he served as a regional director and organized a regional journalism contest. Additionally, he spent several years as a chapter president for the Oregon/Southwest Washington Pro chapter. Before joining the Spokesman-Review, Maben was a reporter at the Eugene (Ore.) Register-Guard; a reporter and editor for The Bulletin in Bend, Ore.; and editor of The Spokesman in Redmond, Ore. He grew up in Oregon. He resides in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with his wife, Carolyn, and daughter Joey, 3.
“I am delighted to see Scott Maben return to the SPJ Board,” SPJ President Clint Brewer said. “Scott was an excellent regional director who also made significant contributions at the national level through his input on policy and advocacy. He is a welcome addition to the board.”
