Minutes – June 12, 2009

Online News Association Board of Directors Meeting

10 a.m. ET

In Attendance:

  • Denise Polverine
  • Tom Brew
  • Jane McDonnell
  • Sherry Skalko
  • Amy Webb
  • Katharine Fong
  • Cory Haik
  • Tom Brew
  • Jody Brannon
  • Dick Meyer
  • Christine Montgomery
  • Jon Dube (Board President)
  • Ken Sands
  • Jim Brady
  • Jane McDonnell (Executive Director)
  • Sherry Skalko (Editor/webmaster, journalists.org)

Not in Attendance:

  • Anthony Moor
  • Ju-Don Roberts
  • Katie King
  • Neil Budde

Treasurer’s Report: Neil was unable to be on the call. The treasurer’s duties will soon be handed over to Jim Brady. That transition will begin in the next few weeks.

Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the May board meeting minutes.

Audit Update: Jane reported to the board that all of the organization’s 2008 financial materials are being reviewed. The company conducting the review will have a draft of their report ready for the board’s review in time for the next board call.

Board nominating committee: The board discussed new wording for the board member responsibilities and requirements. The board will review and approve before the call for nominations goes out.

Conference

  • Expenses: Jane and Tom Regan continue to look at all expenses and trim where needed.
  • Registrations: We are ahead of room bookings and registrations from this point last year.
  • Wireless: Several board members voiced concern over the wireless service at the hotel. Jane will get an update on the wireless service and report back to the board.
  • Sponsors: We are working to get more conference sponsors. A committee is reaching out to potential sponsors in the Bay area.
  • 150 potential screeners have signed up to help in the awards process.
  • Panels and speakers: Katharine Fong says they are recruiting good panelists. Liz and Katharine are guiding volunteers on this process. Students will help in newsroom and volunteer center.
  • Board President, Jon Dube, asked board members to help promote the conference in many different ways, via social media and networks.
  • Awards: Jane discussed that awards deadline is June 30 (which has since been extended to July 8).
  • Newseum Exhibit: Jane and Jon said ONA’s exhibit at the Newseum will launch in October. Update on 10th anniversary campaign: The board continues to discuss plans for the 10th anniversary campaign.

The call was adjourned at 11 a.m. ET.