We are pleased to introduce the candidates running for seats on the Online News Association’s 2026-27 Board of Directors. Candidates were selected by the board’s Governance Committee from a pool of nominations submitted by ONA members.
Seven seats are open for the 2026-27 board term, with up to four seats that can be filled through the election process and the rest filled through appointments by the current board. For this year’s election cycle, the number of eligible candidates is fewer than the number of open seats. In keeping with our bylaws, voting will proceed as scheduled, and all candidates who receive votes will be elected. The board will fill the remaining seats by appointment by the end of the year. Terms are for two years and begin Jan. 1, 2026.
All ONA members active as of Sept. 7 are eligible to cast a ballot. Voting opens Sept. 10. and will close Oct. 2.
Get to know the candidates
Explore each candidate’s profile to learn about their backgrounds and vision for ONA and digital journalism.
Neeti Upadhye is an award-winning multimedia journalist with over a decade of experience in everything from print to VR storytelling. She is currently a Senior Video Manager at The Washington Post.
By putting communities and context at the heart of fast-moving coverage, we can regain the trust of local communities and work to create systems that protect our journalists’ mental health as they do this difficult work.
Learn more about Neeti Upadhye
Nikita Roy is a data scientist, journalist, and Harvard-recognized AI futurist. She is the founder of Newsroom Robots Lab, an AI training, strategy, and product development company for media organizations, currently incubating at Harvard Innovation Labs.
I envision a journalism industry that not only reports on the technologies shaping our world but also engages with them directly. We must design and build tools that reflect our editorial values, operate transparently, and serve our communities. In my work with newsrooms around the world, I have seen the impact when journalists become builders. They adapt with confidence and shape technology in ways that strengthen the public good.
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. 10, 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 use your 2025 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.
For any questions about the election and submitting your votes, contact support@journalists.org.