National Board of Directors

NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists is led by a national board of journalism and communications professionals. The Board is elected each year and consists of five officers (president, vice president for print, vice president for broadcast, secretary and treasurer); eight membership directors; and up to four appointed directors. Find more information on the election processes below.

Executive Committee

Ken Miguel

President
He/Him/His
Term 2024-2026
President@nlgja.org

Erik Hall

Vice President of Print & Online
He/Him/His
Term 2024-2026

Jen Christensen

Vice President of Broadcast
She/Her/Hers
Term 2025-2027

Ernesto Mourelo

Treasurer
He/Him/His
Term 2023-2025

Rick Stuckey

Secretary
He/Him/His
Term 2025-2027

Directors

Troy Diggs

At-Large Director
He/Him/His
Term 2024-2026

Sharif Durhams

At-Large Director
He/Him/His
Term 2024-2026

Jimmy Gibbs

At-Large Director
He/Him/His
Term 2025-2027

Bethany Grace-Howe

At-Large Director
She/Her/Hers
Term 2025-2026

Femi Redwood

At-Large Director
She/Her/Hers
Term 2025-2027

Ken Schneck

At-Large Director
He/Him/His
Term 2025-2027

Dan Spears

At-Large Director
He/Him/His
Term 2025-2027

Kristina Torres

At-Large Director
She/Her/Hers
Term 2023-2025

Election Processes

Leadership Requirements

Executive Committee members may serve two consecutive terms in each office and at-large national board directors may serve three consecutive terms. All national board of director terms are for two years.

All nominees must be members in good standing for at least one year by the time of the election. Those seeking an Executive Committee seat must also have served as an at-large board of directors member or chapter president for at least one year as of the election. Eligible members may nominate themselves.

All Board Members are required to:

  • Attend and participate in board meetings: Board Members must attend at least one of the two in person meetings (mid-year, convention) and at least one of the twice-annual board calls.
  • Maintain current membership in the organization.
  • Participate actively in committee/task force work.
  • Raise or give at least $1,500 for the organization each year.
  • Board members will need to be available to staff.
  • Be active in their local chapter.
Nomination Process

No more than two board members may be elected from any one chapter.

All candidates must fill out their own nomination form. Candidates must provide a comprehensive 200-word biography and platform to be included in your nomination form. This will be distributed to the members by NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists during the elections process.

In the event of a contested election, online polling for the NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists National Board of Directors will be made available to members following the nominations period. According to NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists bylaws, board elections are advisory, but, to date, the board has never failed to follow the election results.

Election results will be ratified by the Board of Directors at the Fall board meeting, typically held during the National Convention. Nominees are encouraged to attend.

Guidelines for Running

Campaign guidelines for those running for executive committee or board member positions:

  • Any campaigning and electioneering online, including social media and email communications, must come from a personal account. Candidates may not use any NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists-sanctioned national or chapter accounts, emails addresses, logos or other branding to promote their candidacy.
  • NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists will distribute a listing of candidates and platforms/bios to current members. NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists will not provide membership lists to any candidate for campaign purposes.
  • Candidates may reach out to members directly through other means at their discretion, but should act responsibly and be respectful of voting members.
  • While campaigning, candidates should urge all members in good standing to vote, and encourage lapsed members to renew their membership and vote.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Stand proud with NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists.

BECOME A MEMBER