Voting in the ONA board of directors election is open Sept. 11–Oct. 3. ONA members: Log in to the member portal to access your ballot passcode.
We are pleased to introduce the candidates running for seats on the Online News Association’s 2025-26 Board of Directors. A total of 10 candidates—six new nominees and four incumbents—are up for election to four seats for the board term beginning Jan. 1, 2025. The board will appoint directors to two more open seats by the end of the year.
All ONA members active as of Sept. 9 are eligible to cast a ballot. Voting opens Sept. 11. and will close Oct. 3.
How to vote for ONA board members
- Review the candidate slate and get to know each leader’s vision for ONA and their motivation to join the board.
- When voting opens Sept. 11, log into the ONA member portal to find your unique election passcode. Your passcode will also be sent to the email address associated with your membership; look for a message from support@journalists.org.
- Visit the ONA eBallot system and log in using your unique 2024 election passcode to access your ballot.
- Once you submit your votes, encourage fellow ONA members to get involved and add their voices to the election.
Get to know the candidates
Explore each candidate’s profile to learn about their backgrounds and vision for ONA.
New nominees
- Angela Chao, Head of Global News, Director of Content, Healthline Media
- Donesha Aldridge, Executive Producer of Digital Content, WXIA 11Alive
- Leigh Munsil, Editor in Chief, San Antonio Report
- Kristyn Wellesley, Senior Director, Audience Development and Engagement, MediaNews Group and Tribune Publishing
- Natalia Gutiérrez, Climate Engagement Manager, The Associated Press
- Stephanie Wilson Chapin, Strategic Partner Manager, YouTube Canada
Incumbents
- Andrew Fitzgerald, SVP Streaming Video Services, Hearst Television
- Ashley Alvarado, Vice President, Community Engagement + Strategic Initiatives, LAist – Southern California Public Radio
- Imaeyen Ibanga, Presenter and Senior Producer, AJ+
- Rodney Gibbs, Head of Product and Audience, National Trust for Local News
Current board members Rubina Madan Fillion, Kristen Reed and David Smydra (non-voting Immediate Past President) are nearing the end of their terms, in December 2024. We are grateful for their service and continued support to the ONA community.
For any questions about the election and submitting your votes, contact support@journalists.org.