The Online News Association (ONA) is pleased to confirm two appointments to the Board of Directors. Angela Chao, Head of Global News and Director of Content for Healthline Media, and Andrew Fitzgerald, Senior Vice President of Streaming Video Services at Hearst Television, will serve on the board for a two-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2025.
Angela Chao leads business and content strategies that enable a global team of editors, writers, fact-checkers and podcast producers to cover the latest health and medical news and research. Embraces the tenet that “change is inevitable,” she is especially motivated to support journalists and newsrooms to evolve their content and audience strategies for success in today’s digital reality. This includes exploring ways to monetize audio and video content, reevaluating which owned platforms to focus on and using AI to work faster and better.
Andrew Fitzgerald brings varied journalism and leadership experiences including in local news content and revenue strategies. At Hearst, he leads efforts to bring local news to streaming audiences across the U.S., including through the Very Local streaming app. He joined the ONA board in 2021 and currently serves on the executive committee as Treasurer.
These two leaders will join the 2025-26 Board of Directors along with newly elected board member Donesha Aldridge, Executive Producer of Digital Content at WXIA 11Alive, and re-elected incumbents Ashley Alvarado, the incoming President and CEO of The Texas Public Radio (TPR); Imaeyen Ibanga, Presenter and Senior Producer, AJ+; and Rodney Gibbs, Head of Audience and Product, The National Trust for Local News.
The ONA board consists of 15 digital media leaders and a non-voting Early Career Board Officer who provide strategic guidance to ONA’s work and help build a stronger industry. Board seats are filled through an annual election process for active ONA members — with nominations opening in July/August — and by select appointment to meet needs identified by the current board.