The New England Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is holding its annual election. Each paid chapter member has received an email with an election ballot. The voting period closes at the end of Sunday, Oct. 23.  If you are a paid member and you have not received a ballot, please contact chapter president Jordan Frias at jfriasspj@gmail.com.

While there are no contested races in this year’s election, candidates for the president, vice president, and secretary positions have emerged. Take a look at the different candidates below:

President

Jordan Frias

My name is Jordan Frias and I am running for president. The past few years I have been working at weekly papers as a reporter and currently assist the news editors and reporters in my role at the Boston Herald. I would be honored to serve as president of the New England Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists because I strongly believe in the mission of SPJ and know how to best work with others to strengthen our local chapter.

Serving as the chapter’s vice president alongside the president has shown me what it takes to be an effective leader. An effective leader listens to everyone’s ideas, is present and provides guidance to members and the chapter as a whole when necessary. I believe that I am a good listener and that I have a deep interest in the topics and issues that effect journalists and journalism today, including the need for a more transparent government.

If you elect me you can count on me being open, communicative and dedicated to supporting our chapter and its members to make it into one of the most successful chapters out there.

Vice President

Joy Richard

My name is Joy Richard. I am a Waltham resident and have worked as a full-time journalist for the past seven years. A 2009 graduate of Salem State University, I studied communications for journalism and political science. I was a community reporter for five years in Central Massachusetts for a group of weekly newspapers and a daily publication. I am currently and editor with Gatehouse Media, editing and writing for the Bedford Minuteman and Burlington Union.
In my free time, I am an avid runner and cat enthusiast. If elected, I will bring her passion for journalism and borderline obsessive organizational skills to the New England Board of the Society of Professional Journalists.
I made the decision to run for vice president of the New England Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists because I believe the past year the growth of our board has been substantial and exciting. I would like to see that growth continue. As vice president I would push this current momentum forward and help facilitate future events and fundraising efforts.

Secretary

Cole Rosengren

My name is Cole Rosengren. I am a freelance reporter specializing in waste and environmental issues. I currently write for Fusion, the Dorchester Reporter and Waste Dive. After growing up in Maine, I graduated from Emerson College with a BFA in Writing, Literature & Publishing and the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism with a MA in Urban Reporting.