Society of Professional Journalists Unveils 2026-27 Leadership Slate at SPJ26 Convention in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Concluding a high-energy national gathering centered on the evolving landscape of modern media, the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) has officially installed its new leadership team. Announced during the closing membership meeting of the SPJ26 annual convention in Columbus, Ohio, the 2026–27 Board of Directors and newly elected regional coordinators step into their roles at a critical juncture for the industry—one marked by ongoing battles over press freedom, economic headwinds in newsrooms, and the ethical frontiers introduced by emerging media technologies.

The election results, finalized on October 4, reflect a diverse cross-section of the American journalistic ecosystem, drawing from independent freelance reporting, major metropolitan newspapers, digital news startups, and academic institutions. The newly minted leadership will steer the organization’s overarching mission: defending the First Amendment, advocating for working journalists, promoting rigorous ethical standards, and strengthening the local chapters that serve as the bedrock of the organization.

Main Facts: A New Era of Leadership for the Nation’s Oldest Journalism Organization

The Society of Professional Journalists enters its upcoming operational year with a refreshed executive committee and governing board designed to tackle the multifaceted challenges facing modern reporters.

At the helm of the organization is Nicole DeCriscio, a veteran freelance journalist and the founder of Sweet Owen Current. DeCriscio officially assumed the presidency following a successful term as vice president during the 2025–26 cycle. She succeeds the previous administration with a clear focus on grassroots engagement and sustaining independent media models.

Joining DeCriscio on the executive committee are two seasoned professionals:

• Vice President: Stacie Overton Johnson, an independent freelance journalist with extensive experience navigating the shifting economic paradigms of self-employed media professionals.
• Secretary-Treasurer: Patricia Gallagher Newberry, a distinguished Quality of Life Enterprise Reporter at the Cincinnati Enquirer, who brings decades of institutional knowledge and financial oversight to the executive branch.

The governance structure is further reinforced by a dynamic mix of returning and newly elected at-large directors. Marty Fischhoff and Jillian Melero secured their seats through the general membership election, joining Laura Garcia and Michelle Watson, who are now stepping into the second year of their respective at-large terms.

To ensure a comprehensive scope of expertise, the SPJ Board of Directors also approved two presidential appointments for at-large seats during its inaugural post-convention session: Sue Kopen Katcef and prominent media critic and commentator Eric Deggans.

Beyond the national board, four key regional coordinators were elected by SPJ members to bridge the gap between local chapters and national headquarters:

• Region 1: Christine McGrath, Communications Writer for Stony Brook University Advancement.
• Region 4: Ginny McCabe, Freelance Journalist and Author.
• Region 5: Marcus Green, Former Emmy-winning Investigative Reporter.
• Region 9: McKenzie Romero, Editor at the Utah News Dispatch.

Chronology of the SPJ26 Elections and Transition

The pathway to the 2026–27 leadership roster was paved over several months of campaigning, culminating in a rigorous four-day national convention in Columbus.

• Pre-Convention Phase (Summer 2026): Candidates for national office and regional coordinator positions completed their nominations, submitting platforms centered on member recruitment, legal defense fund expansion, and local chapter revitalization. Voting procedures were established to ensure accessibility for both in-person attendees and virtual members.
• October 1–3, 2026 (SPJ26 Convention): Hundreds of journalists, editors, educators, and student reporters gathered in Columbus, Ohio, for panels, workshops, and networking events. Throughout the conference, candidates engaged with voting members during forums and town halls, discussing the pressing issues confronting the press, from digital harassment to artificial intelligence integration in newsrooms.
• October 4, 2026 (The Closing Membership Meeting): The convention culminated in the official announcement of the election results during the final membership meeting. The tally verified the election of DeCriscio as president, Johnson as vice president, Newberry as secretary-treasurer, and the new at-large board members and regional coordinators.
• Post-Convention (October 5, 2026 and Onward): The newly formed Board of Directors held its first official meeting immediately following the convention’s close. During this session, the board reviewed and overwhelmingly approved DeCriscio’s recommended appointments for the two appointed at-large director seats—securing the expertise of Sue Kopen Katcef and Eric Deggans—before officially commencing their operational terms.

Supporting Data: Understanding the SPJ Leadership Structure

To fully grasp the governance of the Society of Professional Journalists, it is essential to examine how leadership responsibilities are distributed among its officers, directors, and regional representatives.

The 2026–27 SPJ Board of Directors At-a-Glance

Newly Elected Regional Coordinators

Regional coordinators operate under the SPJ bylaws as vital lifelines for the organization’s regional network. Serving two-year terms, they act as direct resources for local chapters and individual members, though they do not hold voting seats on the national Board of Directors.

• Region 1 (CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT, international): Represented by Christine McGrath, Communications Writer, Stony Brook University Advancement.
• Region 4 (MI, OH, WPA, WV): Represented by Ginny McCabe, Freelance Journalist and Author.
• Region 5 (IL, IN, KY): Represented by Marcus Green, Former Emmy-Winning Investigative Reporter.
• Region 9 (CO, NM, UT, WY): Represented by McKenzie Romero, Editor, Utah News Dispatch.

Official Responses and Organizational Vision

The transition of power has elicited strong statements from key organizational leaders regarding the strategic vision of SPJ moving forward.

SPJ Executive Director Caroline Hendrie emphasized the grassroots energy that drives the organization’s continued relevance in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.

"SPJ’s strength comes from members who are willing to step forward and serve," Hendrie remarked following the board’s confirmation vote. "This year’s leaders bring a wide range of experience and perspectives, along with a shared commitment to protecting journalism, supporting journalists and ensuring SPJ remains a strong voice for a free and ethical press."

Incoming President Nicole DeCriscio echoed these sentiments, highlighting the vital role that independent reporters and local newsrooms play in maintaining a transparent democracy. Under her leadership, the organization is expected to double down on resources for freelance workers—who now make up a substantial portion of the modern journalistic workforce—while continuing to fight against legislative and corporate overreach that threatens the dissemination of public-interest news.

Broader Implications for the Future of American Journalism

The installation of the 2026–27 SPJ leadership team arrives at a pivotal inflection point for the media industry. As traditional newsrooms continue to grapple with structural financial contractions, digital transformation, and shifting public trust, advocacy organizations like SPJ serve as crucial bulwarks for professional standards and legal defense.

1. The Rise of Independent and Freelance Advocacy

With both the president (Nicole DeCriscio) and vice president (Stacie Overton Johnson) coming from freelance backgrounds, the organization is uniquely positioned to address the economic vulnerabilities faced by independent reporters. Issues such as non-payment, lack of health benefits, safety in the field, and equitable contracting are expected to take center stage during this term.

2. Defending Press Freedom and First Amendment Rights

Through its active programs—including the Legal Defense Fund, the First Amendment Forever Fund, and the SPJ Foundation—the society remains an indispensable resource for journalists facing subpoenas, censorship, or denial of public records access. The new board will be tasked with mobilizing resources to support reporters on the front lines of accountability reporting.

3. Fostering Ethical Integrity in the Age of AI

As artificial intelligence rapidly alters how news is gathered, verified, and distributed, SPJ’s commitment to the SPJ Code of Ethics becomes even more critical. The diverse blend of veterans from major metropolitan dailies, digital-first operations, and media criticism (such as Eric Deggans) positions the board to provide forward-thinking guidance on AI integration, misinformation mitigation, and maintaining audience trust.

Strengthening the Local Core

By working closely with the newly elected regional coordinators—Christine McGrath, Ginny McCabe, Marcus Green, and McKenzie Romero—national leadership aims to revitalize regional programming, mentorship pipelines for student journalists, and professional development workshops tailored to the unique economic realities of local media markets across the United States.

For more information on the SPJ Board of Directors, regional boundaries, or how to support the organization’s ongoing advocacy efforts through membership and donations, visit the official Society of Professional Journalists website.