Informal gathering helps local leaders connect with national leadership
By Jonathan Make
DC Pro Chapter immediate past president
About a dozen members of the SPJ DC board gathered on Friday night, Nov. 1, 2019, with national president Patti Newberry. The agenda was quite informal, and we met for dinner at a longtime Dupont Circle area inn and restaurant, the Tabard Inn. Also attending were the past and present Region 2 directors, Andy Schotz and Stephenie Overman, respectively. And past national SPJ president Rebecca Baker joined us.
Both before and after dinner, the group heard about what’s happening at the national level. Patti was optimistic that the search for an executive director would soon come to an end. She mentioned that two days hence, the national board was expected to have approved the hiring of a new one. (This is the eventual announcement in her Freedom of the Prez column on the spj.org website.)
We also heard about some SPJ financial and membership challenges and looking forward to the next annual convention. Excellence in Journalism 2020 will be Sept. 10-12, just down the street at the Washington Hilton.
Organizers of EIJ 20 are eager for a diverse array of conference proposals for speakers and sessions. “We need all ideas on the table,” Patti said. She sought “good, tight proposals from the get-go” that are researched and practicable. She noted that SPJ again this year will be working with RTDNA to co-host the convention. Here is information on submitting proposals for programs.
Matt Hall, who as national SPJ president-elect is heading up efforts for EIJ 20, was with us in spirit. “Tell everyone there I say hey, and to hoist a drink for me,” he tweeted. “Can’t wait to plan and then see everyone in person at EIJ20.”
SPJ DC recording secretary Kathryn Foxhall was singled out for recognition in informal remarks by both Newberry and Baker. Foxhall was recognized for her work toward ending government restraints on journalists communicating with public employees. She was described as having a unique ability to prompt change while acting in a civil and understated way. Newberry called her the “velvet steamroller,” and there was a round of applause. You can read more about Foxhall’s work here.
DC Pro board of directors holds EIJ20 brainstorming session
The DC Pro board of directors had already planned a brainstorming session, to be held at board member Dan Kubiske’s house in Virginia on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, for prioritizing local suggestions for professional development sessions and other activities in the nation’s capital that will be forwarded to the planning committee for the 2020 Excellence in Journalism conference. The board has expressed its optimism that EIJ20, falling in a presidential election year as it does, will be the premier journalism event for all involved in 2020, with Washington as the host city.
