Minnesotan Elected President of National Journalism Organization

For the first time in 25 years — and likely the second time ever — a Minnesotan will preside over the 98-year-old Society of Professional Journalists, a 9,000-member organization that aims “to improve and protect journalism.” Dave Aeikens, a reporter at the St. Cloud Times for 13 years, has been elected president-elect of the organization.

Reached by email, he says he’s looking forward to the challenge. “It is an exciting and scary time to be in journalism as the industry continues to shift, remake itself and adjust the way it delivers news,” he wrote. “The basics are still the same. We need good reporters and good reporters who have high standards. SPJ will provide support toward those goals.” Steve Dornfeld, former associate editorial page editor of the Pioneer Press, served as SPJ president in 1982-1983. Aeikens, an eight-year member of the organization’s national board, will be sworn in at the annual SPJ convention in Atlanta next September.