The St. Louis Pro chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists was founded in 1932, and has been advocating for and supporting journalists in St. Louis since 2009 in its current form. Named best small chapter in the nation in 2011, 2012 and 2017, and runner-up in 2019, St. Louis Pro uses partnerships with other journalism organizations in the region to support journalists from all media and backgrounds. We frequently work with our partners to hold training workshops and seminars, guest speakers and other opportunities for career development, and most of our events are open to all journalists, not only our own members. Some of our most popular annual events include our Student Journalist Boot Camp, monthly Freelancer Coffee Hours, quarterly happy hours and other events.
The national Society of Professional Journalists, founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, is the nation’s oldest and most wide-ranging journalism organization. SPJ has been an industry leader for more than a century, and continues to advocate on behalf of journalists to safeguard the First Amendment, the Freedom of Information Act and other rights and protections. SPJ offers more than just words: the Legal Defense Fund and other programs offer direct assistance to members fighting for public access to information.
St. Louis Pro Board:
- President: Elizabeth Donald, freelance journalist/adjunct professor, Donald Media.
- Vice president/treasurer: Tammy Merrett, program director, The Alestle at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
- Secretary: Alex Aultman, freelance
Committee roles:
- University liaison: Jennifer Brown, professor, Lindenwood University.
- Membership: open
- Communications: Elizabeth Donald
- Finance: Kari Williams, associate editor, Group C Media
At-large board members:
- Gary Meyer, freelance.
- Katelyn Mary Skaggs, digital manager, Leader Publication