Pictured: (seated) Bob Butler, Michelle Fitzhugh-Craig; (standing) NABJ Region VI Director Mark S. Luckie, Aqueila Lewis,
Marcus Osborne, John W. Ellis IV, Ellison Horne, Kim Bardakian, Theresa Willis and chapter photographer Z'ma Wyatt.

On Tuesday, the Bay Area Black Journalists Association elected its new officers for the 2009-11 term.

New officers include Michelle Fitzhugh-Craig, President; Terry Collins, VP Print; Theresa Willis, VP Broadcast; and Aqueila Lewis, Secretary. John W. Ellis IV retained his position as board Treasurer.

At-large board members and committee chairs – all returning – are Membership Chair Marcus Osborne, PR/Outreach Chair Kim Bardakian, Fundraising Chair Netta Conyers-Haynes and Scholarship Chair Ellison Horne.

“I want to offer my congratulations to the new officers of the Bay Area Black Journalists Association,” outgoing board President Bob Butler said Thursday. “I'm confident the new and returning board members will continue the advocacy, training and networking opportunities that have characterized BABJA since 1982. I urge all BABJA members to give new President Michelle Fitzhugh Craig the same support they showed me over the past five years.”

Butler continues to serve as the VP Broadcast for the National Association of Black Journalists, as well as a vice president for American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. BABJA is an affiliate chapter (in good standing) of NABJ.

The new board, prior to adjourning Tuesday’s general membership meeting, promised to continue its unrelenting work in increasing local membership and promoting the organization as a moving force when it comes to elevating young journalists of color. BABJA’s mission/goal includes serving as an advocate for Bay Area Journalists and as a beneficial network for journalists, students and media-related professionals.