Elise Burroughs, executive director of the Society for News Design since July 2004, is leaving the position to explore new options.
The Society is an international nonprofit membership organization of visual journalists in more than 50 countries. When Burroughs arrived in 2004, the Board of Directors had an ambitious agenda for change. During the last five years, the Society accomplished many of those objectives. They included:
- revamping the Web site to better publicize SND activities
- adopting a Mission Statement, a Code of Ethical Standards and a Conflict of Interest Policy
- establishing two new overseas affiliates
- forming new partnerships with other journalism organizations
- expanding visual journalism training outside the United States
- increasing international participation in SND activities
- having officers assume more financial oversight, with regular review of financial statements
- creating policies for board procedures that made board meetings more efficient and productive
- adopting a formal strategic plan
- securing a $15,000 Challenge Grant for the SND Foundation.
Burroughs said, “Working with incredibly dedicated SND volunteers, I helped support five Annual Workshops, five Creative Competitions and five editions of ‘The Best of Newspaper Design™.’
“Working with the incredibly dedicated Membership Manager, Susan Santoro, I helped support upgrades to the SND databases that opened new marketing opportunities and improved our record-keeping.
“I thoroughly enjoyed virtually every day of work and all my interactions with the directors, committee chairs and SND’s talented, creative members.
“I would like to thank all the members for the privilege of having served as their executive director. It has been a wonderful experience.”
Immediate Past President Gayle Grin, ME/Design & Graphics at the National Post in Toronto, said, “SND is extremely grateful to Elise for her tremendous service, especially in the support she’s provided to our elected leadership. She has strengthened the organization on many fronts: finding new avenues for fundraising, assisting with the founding of a Chinese affiliate and initiating a deep exploration of our strategic plan.
“Elise is a dedicated professional who immerses herself in every challenge. In anticipation of our Annual Workshop this fall in Buenos Aires, she even began learning Spanish. It has been a great pleasure to work with someone of her caliber, and SND is better for her vision and leadership.”
Burroughs’ contract states that she will leave no later than December 31, 2009. “I hope to help SND make a smooth transition to the next executive director,” she said.
SND Vice President Bonita Burton will lead the search committee. She will announce details shortly.
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