The Jazz Journalists Association’s board of directors has issued a request for applicants to join this governing body of the organization. A “working board” (as opposed to a fundraising board), its members consult on issues of the JJA’s direction and programs, contribute energy to efforts on behalf of the members and programs, and in 2019 will discuss leadership transition as well as whether/how to sustain the JJA Jazz Heroes and Jazz Awards initiatives, also the JJA as a whole.
The board currently comprises Bay Area writer Andy Gilbert, New York City/Newport RI publicist Carolyn McClair, KNKX-Seattle broadcaster Robin Lloyd, Baltimore-based former arts administrator and writer Don Palmer, and writer-broadcaster Neil Tesser (in Chicago). Howard Mandel, also in Chicago, is on the board as JJA president. Jennifer Odell, New Orleans-based writer, is taken leave of her board service.
There is no fiscal obligation for JJA board members to support the JJA, other than being or becoming members. Members and non-members alike may apply apply for a board position. Board members are appointed by the current board, subject to the JJA’s 2004 interim bylaws.
The JJA is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit professional membership organization, incorporated in New York. It currently has approximately 200 paid members (mostly but not only in the U.S.) and contacts in the thousands. The JJA’s mission is to promote the interests of journalists covering all forms of jazz in all forms of media. The JJA strives to keep professional-level information and opinions about jazz viable as subjects for media, to encourage high standards and good practices for jazz journalism.
To apply to become a JJA board member send an email note citing three professional credits, identifying both what the JJA does well right now and what you’d work for the JJA t0 do in the future, to president@jazzjournalists.org.
