A total of 10 candidates — six new nominees and four incumbents, representing a wide and diverse range of digital media — ran for six open seats in the 2025–26 Online News Association Board of Directors election.
There are 15 voting members on the ONA Board. Six seats are open for the 2025-26 board term. Four of the six seats will be filled through this year’s election, and two seats will be appointed by the board by the end of this year. The board also includes one non-voting Early Career Officer, selected by appointment from a call for applications, and the Immediate Past President during the year following a transition in the President position.
Terms are for two years and begin Jan. 1, 2025.
Voting in the 2025-26 ONA board election is open from Sept. 11 to Oct. 3, 2024. During this voting period, all ONA members active as of Sept. 9 are eligible to cast ballots.
New Candidates
- 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
Incumbent Candidates
- 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.