For Immediate Release:
Dateline: Indianapolis,
IN
Saturday, January 2, 2021
CONTACT: Matthew T. Hall, SPJ National President, 619-987-7786, mhall@spj.org
Jennifer Royer, SPJ Director of Communications and Marketing, 317-361-4134, jroyer@spj.org
INDIANAPOLIS — The Society of Professional Journalists Board of Directors voted today to declare vacant the position of Region 1 coordinator, effective immediately, concluding a months-long process of careful and confidential review. A two-week process will begin to fill this position.
The SPJ board provided Ann-Marie Adams multiple opportunities since mid-November to address issues raised by members and leaders in Region 1 about her performance as Region 1 coordinator. This included a specially called Dec. 12 meeting that the board rescheduled to Jan. 2 at her request. She did not attend the Jan. 2 meeting after numerous attempts were made to reconfirm her participation.
The board cited SPJ bylaws, specifically Article Eight Section Four, as the reason for relieving Adams of her duties. The bylaw reads: “The board of directors may declare any regional coordinator position vacant if the board determines the incumbent has failed to perform the duties of the office or no longer meets the qualifications for the office. Such action shall require approval of two-thirds of the members of the board. Any regional coordinator whose removal will be considered shall be notified in writing 14 days in advance that the board may take such action. The national board shall notify all campus and professional chapters in the region affected of that meeting 14 days in advance.”
“We made every effort to be fair to all during this process and look forward to continuing to support our members in Region 1,” said SPJ National President Matthew T. Hall.
Regional coordinators are responsible for organizing, guiding and supervising each chapter in their region. They are also responsible for encouraging chapters to be active and supportive of members.
Region 1 members elected Adams in September. SPJ Region 1 includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Central/Eastern Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Any appeal to this decision must be made and would be considered at the Jan. 16 SPJ board meeting. The board also will review new applicants for Region 1 coordinator at that meeting.
SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund or give to the SPJ Foundation.
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