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The SND Foundation is thrilled to share exciting news about expanding its Board of Trustees. Four distinguished individuals are joining the current board, bringing a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to the Foundation’s mission. Their addition marks a significant step forward in advancing our goal of providing training, resources, and support for students and under-resourced publications while promoting accessibility and inclusion in media.
A Message from SND Foundation Chair, Paige K. Connor
“Over the past year, the SND Foundation has undergone remarkable growth and development. I am genuinely thrilled to welcome our newest Board of Trustees members, whose passion, insights, and expertise will undoubtedly propel us even further. Together, we will continue to advance our mission and make a lasting impact on journalism and visual storytelling.”
Acknowledging the Efforts of Our Current Board
Before introducing our new members, let’s take a moment to appreciate the dedication and achievements of our existing board. Their hard work in refocusing the SND Foundation, developing partnerships, and providing training opportunities for students has been invaluable. In 2023 alone, they attended and presented at six workshops and conferences, demonstrating their commitment to the foundation’s mission.
Current board members, whose terms end in December 2024, include:
- Sara Quinn, Senior Fellow, Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Minnesota. Reynolds Journalism Institute Fellow
- Mike Swartz, CEO, and Principal at Upstatement
- Patrick Garvin, CPACC, Front-end developer at Maritz
- Paige Connor, CEO & Founder at pkcxstrategy
- Yuri Victor, Senior Editor, The Atlantic (ex officio)
A Special Thank You
In acknowledging the evolution of our leadership, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to outgoing SND President, Ryan Hildebrandt, who served in an ex officio role on the SND Foundation Board of Trustees. Ryan’s dedication and leadership have significantly contributed to the growth and success of both the Society for News Design and the SND Foundation. His insights and commitment to the field have left an indelible mark, and we express our deepest gratitude for his valuable contributions. As Ryan concludes his term, we welcome the new chapter that lies ahead, with sincere gratitude for the lasting impact he has made on our organization.
Meet the New Board Members:
Gary Metzker
- Lecturer / Publications Adviser
- President, California College Media Association 2022
- ACP Pioneer of Journalism Award 2021
- JEA Friends of Scholastic Journalism Award 2019
- Champion of Journalism Education Award 2013
Gary brings nearly 25 years of experience from newspapers across the United States, including the Los Angeles Times. He aims to collaborate with the SND Foundation in reaching, educating, and partnering with under-resourced populations, particularly in journalism education.
Dorothy Greenhalge
- Senior Architectural Design Major, Washington State University
- Design Editor at The Daily Evergreen
Dorothy, with a background in architecture, brings a unique perspective to the board. Her passion for news, coupled with her design skills, will undoubtedly enrich the foundation’s efforts.
Tommy Piatchek
- UX Designer for Edward Jones Investments
- Former Editorial Designer at The Boston Globe
- User Experience Designer at Edward Jones
Tommy, a staunch supporter of SND, believes in the power of connecting professionals in visual journalism. He looks forward to contributing to the foundation’s mentorship initiatives.
Jon Wile
- VP/Content & Design at American City Business Journals
- Society for News Design President from 2024
- Ex Officio position on SND Foundation Board of Trustees
Jon, an experienced media executive, will not only serve as the Society for News Design President but will also hold an ex officio position on the SND Foundation Board of Trustees, replacing outgoing SND President Ryan Hildebrandt.
The Role of SND Foundation Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees plays a crucial role in managing and controlling the foundation’s property, affairs, and business. Members are responsible for promoting the mission and activities of the foundation, serving on committees and task groups, helping identify areas of growth and service, participating in events, and representing the foundation to raise awareness. Additionally, they contribute to the development of programs to nurture the next generation of leaders and assist in securing funds for the foundation.
The SND Foundation is poised for an exciting chapter with the addition of these exceptional individuals to its Board of Trustees. Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to the foundation’s mission will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and growth of SND and the SND Foundation. Join us in welcoming them as we look forward to a future filled with innovation, collaboration, and positive impact.
Board of Trustee Appointments
Transparency is key in our Board of Trustees selection process. All trustees must be current Society for News Design members, and any member can be considered. Our Foundation Board recruits and vets candidates based on their alignment with our mission and expertise. The secretary compiles a slate of candidates by August for a fall Trustee vote by the current Board of Trustees. Non-officer Trustees serve two years, with an option for a second term. Ex-officio Trustees serve their term in office. This process ensures dedicated leaders are aligned with our values. We’re committed to governance excellence, fostering trust as we welcome new trustees.