President's Welcome to Our New Site
Amanda Womac, ETSPJ President
Welcome to the new ETSPJ website! Whether you’re an SPJ member or just visiting, we’re happy you're here!
The new site contains information about our professional development events, contests, fundraisers and some background on how and why we do what we do in the name of journalism.
Soon, members of ETSPJ can click on the "members" tab to stay up-to-date on area job postings and other resources. If you want to submit an article for publication on the website and in Spot News, please contact us.
Besides the new website, ETSPJ has new leadership. I am honored to be president of the board of directors for the year 2011-2012 and welcome feedback and suggestions from members on what you want from your board. Please feel free to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at any time.
This year’s national convention, hosted jointly by SPJ and the Radio, Television, Digital News Association (RTDNA), took place in New Orleans Sept. 25-28. “Excellence in Journalism 2011” was a success at many levels. Professional development sessions provided tools to improve reporting skills for full-time journalists and freelancers alike.
As a delegate for ETSPJ, I attended many business sessions and learned more about the ins and outs of SPJ at the national level. We elected a slate of new leaders, including a new president and president-elect. The new president of SPJ is John Ensslin, staff writer at The Record in Woodland Park, N.J. Our new president-elect is none other than former Region 12 director Sonny Albarado, who is the projects editor at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Secretary-treasurer is David Cuillier, associate profession at University of Arizona School of Journalism and former chairman of the Freedom of Information Committee.
Our new Region 12 director is Kelly Kissel, who was previously treasurer of the Arkansas Pro chapter. Kelly is excited to get started in his new position and looks forward to meeting some of you at our next Region 12 conference.
In addition to electing new officers, delegates were faced with some tough decisions during the closing business session, including whether to reinstate the Helen Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award and whether or not to allow each member of SPJ a vote for national officers. After hours of debate, the delegates voted not to reinstate the Helen Thomas Award. This decision was very tough for many delegates. Learn more here.
Delegates did pass the one-member, one-vote resolution after some debate. It allows each member of SPJ to have a voice in the election of national officers.
Interested in attending next year’s Excellence in Journalism conference? Mark your calendar for Sept. 20-22 and join ETSPJ as we travel to sunny Ft. Lauderdale. Hope to see you there!