The American Society of Journalists and Authors announced today the election of officers and directors to its Board of Directors. Elected to join the board starting July 1, as secretary is Jennifer Goforth Gregory, a writer from Wake Forest, N.C. Treasurer is Howard Baldwin of Sunnyvale, Calif., a freelance business and technology writer.
New members elected to three-year terms through June 2020 as at-large board members are Jennie Helderman of Atlanta, Ga. and Lottie Joiner of Washington, D.C.
Helderman has won nonfiction awards for a book about domestic violence, a magazine feature about Sandy Hook, and a Pushcart Prize nomination for fiction. Joiner’s work has been featured in The Washington Post, USAToday, Time.com, TheAlantic.com and The Daily Beast. She is also senior editor ofThe Crisis magazine, the official publication of the NAACP.
Laura Laing of Baltimore, Md. will return to the board for a three-year term. Laing also serves as the Society’s publications chair, overseeing ASJA Magazine and other entities.
In addition, Patchen Barss, a Toronto-based writer, was elected to complete Gregory’s term as board member , a term that runs through June 2019.
“This is a crucial time in American history, and the proven leadership of our newly-elected board will be critical to ensuring that ASJA remains engaged and persistent in celebrating and supporting good journalism, as well as speaking out in favor of First Amendment rights and other advocacy efforts,” said Sherry Beck Paprocki, president of the American Society of Journalists and Authors. “This year, our board will benefit from the vast experience brought by new officers Howard Baldwin and Jennifer Goforth Gregory to their roles. Their insight, especially when it comes to the unique challenges facing writers across the country, is valuable as our industry looks toward the many writing opportunities available in today’s world.”
About the American Society of Journalists and Authors
Founded in 1948, the American Society of Journalists and Authors is the nation’s professional organization of independent nonfiction writers. Our membership consists of outstanding freelance writers of magazine articles, trade books, and many other forms of nonfiction writing, each of whom has met ASJA’s exacting standards of professional achievement. ASJA offers extensive benefits and services focusing on professional development, including regular confidential market information, meetings with editors and others in the field, an exclusive referral service, seminars and workshops, discount services and, above all, the opportunity for members to explore professional issues and concerns with their peers. ASJA is a primary voice in representing freelancers’ interests, serving as spokesman for their right to control and profit from uses of their work in the new media and otherwise. Visit www.asja.org for more details.
