Submitted by Tribune Staff Report
Though there were calls for the organization to delay its decision, the National Association of Black Journalists selected Elise Durham as its next executive director before its national convention begins this week in Cleveland, Ohio.
A graduate of Florida A&M University, Durham has more than 30 years of professional work experience in television news management, strategic communications and government relations, with leadership stints at Morehouse College, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the city of Atlanta.
Durham, a longtime NABJ member, has won several Emmy and Telly awards for excellence in television media. She has also served as program chair and event producer at various NABJ conventions.
Durham will replace Drew Berry who recently announced his retirement later this year.
According to NABJ, Durham was selected after multiple reviews by the NABJ executive board and ad hoc executive director search advisory committee. Candidates were scored on key measurements critical to an executive director’s responsibilities, considering the ever-changing landscape for journalists and media professionals. Durham was a standout on each level.
Durham’s selection also comes during an election year for the organization with a number of contested races that include the position of president.
A group of eight candidates co-signed a letter to NABJ requesting that it pause the selections until after this week’s election, raising concern about timing, transparency and precedent. Advancing the process during the election risks undermining NABJ’s democratic process, the candidates said in their letter.
“While we don’t question the intention of those involved, the current process risks harming member trust,” the letter said. “Member voices must be centered in decisions as significant as hiring NABJ’s chief administrator.”
President Ken Lemon said Durham’s selection allows the current executive board to fulfill responsibilities they were elected to do.
“That includes ensuring an executive director is in place and empowered to do the business of NABJ as we roll into our next 50 years,” he said in a statement.
Durham is the assistant general manager of marketing, communications and public affairs for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where she oversees a multi-million-dollar portfolio and a team of 30 employees. Before that, Durham was communications director for Atlanta mayors Keisha Lance Bottoms and Andre Dickens. She also served as executive director of strategic communications for Morehouse College where she contributed to a five-year capital campaign that raised $120 million.
“I am honored and ready to help lead NABJ into its next, most transformative chapter grounded in vision, advocacy, innovation, and love,” Durham said in the announcement. “I often say that NABJ is the longest love affair I have ever had, and I am excited about what the future will bring.”
