The Chicago chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists elected a new board of directors May 20, including a new president.

Award-winning multimedia journalist Brandon Pope will serve as the organization’s next chief executive. Acclaimed and decorated journalist Maudlyne Ihejerika previously held the role for two terms and served the chapter fearlessly for nearly two decades.

“I’m honored to lead this outstanding chapter,” said Pope. “Serving and fighting for Black journalists in our city is a responsibility I don’t take lightly. Scholarship, mentorship and training are the hallmarks of our organization. That will continue and accelerate with this new leadership team.”

Pope is an Anchor and Reporter at CW26 and WCIU in Chicago. He’s also a writer for Ebony magazine, with other contributions for the Chicago Sun-Times, Revolt and YR Media. He’s also a board member of My Brother’s Keeper’s Chicago cohort and Co-chair of the NABJ Broadcast Taskforce. Previously, he served as vice-president of Broadcast and Membership Chair for NABJ-Chicago.

“We are fortunate and proud to have Brandon as the next President of NABJ’s Chicago chapter,” said Dorothy Tucker, president of the NABJ. “He has a strong base to build upon. His energy, innovative spirit and creative leadership will take our organization to the next step. He’s a servant leader who will be an outstanding advocate for the city’s Black journalists, and an inclusive changemaker for the chapter.”

“Brandon is a dedicated and hardworking leader who has served NABJ on the national and local levels,” said Sia Nyorkor, Region II Director for NABJ. “Pope is a founding member of the Ball State University chapter and for years, has worked tirelessly to advocate on behalf of Black journalists all over the country. We look forward to his leadership in our organization and the Chicago community.”

“I cannot think of a person more qualified to lead one of NABJ’s largest chapters in this unique moment for Black journalists than Brandon,” said Kyle Inskeep, President of the Greater Cincinnati Association of Black Journalists. “He’s engaged, energetic, and inclusive in all he does. I look forward to seeing NABJ-CC grow to even greater heights under his leadership.”

“Brandon Pope is the perfect man for the job,” said Tisia Muzinga, President of Iowa Nebraska Association of Black Journalists. “He is a respected and visionary leader. His integrity, honesty, and character will reflect his agenda as President of NABJ-CC. INABJ is excited and ready to begin collaborating with NABJ-CC. He’s committed. He’s focused. He’s driven. He’s ready.”

The new executive board brings together a range of experience and backgrounds.

Lee Edwards returns as vice-president of Digital, leading social media and online communications efforts. He’s a managing program coordinator at Free Spirit Media. And retired news veteran Valerie West returns as treasurer, where she has successfully steered the organization’s fiscal matters for years.

There are a number of new additions to the board. WGN Reporter and Anchor Tahman Bradley will serve as the next vice-president of Broadcast and chair of Membership; Sun-Times reporter Evan Moore will be the next vice-president of Print and chair of Mentorship; WTTW reporter Angel Idowu takes on the position of vice-president of Archives; and Injustice Watch reporter Josh McGhee was elected Secretary. He returns to the board after a brief hiatus.

At-Large board members include former NABJCC president Brenda Butler, Kathy Chaney, Cheryl Corley, Tony Smith, Carrie Walker, Will Jones and Dorothy Tucker.

Former NABJCC president Kathy Chaney, Colin Evans and Sylvia Snowden round out the new additions, also serving as At-Large board members.