Dear Hello --
The Journalism That Matters (JTM) board elected Dr. Michelle
Ferrier, associate dean for innovation, research/creative activity and
graduate studies at the Scripps College of Communication at Ohio
University, as president of the organization on Oct. 4, replacing
Chris Peck, former editor of the Memphis Appeal and outgoing
president of ASNE.
Ferrier has been on the board of JTM for more than five years and
has developed new programs for JTM such as the Create or Die series of
events in Detroit and Greensboro that birthed media entrepreneurship
innovations in those areas and across the United States.
Ferrier will lead one of the nation’s most visionary organizations
that for more than 14 years has led conversations helping
professionals to navigate the changing role of journalism. A signature
approach of JTM has been to bring diverse stakeholders to the table
and use unconference practices to foster breakthrough conversations
and action.
A former newspaper columnist and managing editor for online
communities, Ferrier has been a pioneer in digital media and
content/learning management systems. Ferrier is a researcher and
practitioner around online communities, hyperlocal online news, media
entrepreneurship and online education. Ferrier is also the principal
investigator for The Media Deserts Project that examines the changing
media ecosystem using geographic information system technologies.
"Journalism that Matters has provided me with a unique perspective
on the changing media ecosystem and the role of journalists,
technologists, librarians, city planners and others on creating
sustainable, local journalism," said Ferrier. "It has also been a
place of restoration for me of the passion and heart of why I got in
to journalism," she said.
"Our goal will continue to be to support those who are birthing the
new media ecosystem and provide a space for them to imagine
better."
Ferrier completed a Ph.D. degree in Texts and Technology at the
University of Central Florida. She holds a master’s degree in
journalism from the University of Memphis and a bachelor’s degree in
journalism from the University of Maryland.
JTM also brought on two additional board directors: Mike Green and
Jackie Hai. Green is co-founder of ScaleUp Partners a consultancy
serving local leaders in the innovation economy. Hai is a multimedia
artist and educator teaching at Arizona State University in
Phoenix.
"JTM got its start when Chris Peck asked what it would take to have
a national conversation about the future of journalism," says JTM
Executive Director and co-founder, Peggy Holman. "My thanks to Chris
for his early and continued support. We wouldn’t exist without his
vision. Our future is in good hands with Michelle Ferrier. She’s been
a great contributor and partner since she first got involved. I’m
excited to work with Michelle, Mike, and Jackie as we enter a new era
of supporting communities and journalists to thrive
together."
Announcement originally posted
at Ohio University, Scripps College of Communication, ATHENS, Ohio
(Oct. 12, 2015)
Journalism That Matters http://www.journalismthatmatters.net/
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