New SPJ Georgia board set to boost media literacy, safety for journalists

Atlanta, April 22, 2025 ––The Georgia Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists has elected a new Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 term.

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Katja Ridderbusch, an independent multimedia journalist in Atlanta with three decades of international reporting experience, will serve as president.

She’s joined by:

— Genelle Williams, vice president, a writing and editing professional in Savannah.

— Susanna Capelouto, treasurer, NPR’s Southern Bureau Chief.

— Rachel Spooner, secretary, a communications student at Oglethorpe University and incoming editor-in-chief of the student-run newspaper The Stormy Petrel.

— Sabriya Rice, at-large member, Southern bureau chief for KFF Health News

— Benjamin Grady, at-large member, communications specialist and photojournalist

— Mark Woolsey, at-large member, freelance radio journalist, will serve as at-large members.

“I look forward to steering SPJ Georgia through a challenging yet interesting time for journalists,”
said Ridderbusch, a German native who immigrated to the United States 20 years ago.

As president she plans to keep fostering partnerships with other journalism organizations in Georgia, boost media literacy at a time when when disinformation, misinformation, and distrust in the press have become widespread, provide education for students and early-career journalists, and offer skills-based training to help journalists protect themselves against digital security threats and stay safe in the field.

“SPJ Georgia is in great hands with this new board lineup. Ridderbusch is sharp and her team cares about the future of journalism,” said Laura J. Downey, outgoing president of SPJ Georgia. “I proudly pass the torch to our new president and board, entrusting them with the legacy and future of ethical, fearless journalism. With fresh vision and unwavering commitment, they are poised to lead us into a new chapter of advocacy, integrity, and excellence in the field. I am looking forward to what they will do with a clean slate.”

Ridderbusch thanked the outgoing board for an exceptional term and for heightening the chapter’s visibility and setting SPJ Georgia up for continued success.

The past year’s leadership

The 2024-2025 Board was led by Laura J. Downey, the first Black president since the chapter was re-established in 2014; Jatika Hudson, vice president; Stell Simonton, treasurer; Genelle Williams, secretary; Allison Mawn, student representative; as well as Rahul Bali and Stella Payne as at-large members.

Under Downey’s leadership, SPJ Georgia’s membership increased significantly. The chapter created networking opportunities with other influential media organizations in the state, including the Atlanta Press Club, The Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and Young Media Atlanta. In addition, under Downey’s tenure, SPJ Georgia raised the most funds in its history, setting a new standard for future leadership. Her fiery and forward-thinking approach inspired transformative change, driving the team to exceed expectations and embrace bold new initiatives.

Downey was the catalyst for starting the chapter’s first high school scholarship, served as a champion for diversity (from speaking engagements with the staff at The Maroon Tiger at Morehouse College to discussing media ethics with VOX ATL’s high schoolers), and empowered her board to think outside of the box.

During her term, the chapter held in-person or Zoom workshops each month for student and working journalists alike. Her elevated vision for events and heart for service went beyond media and into the community. With the support of her board, she ushered in transformative progress for the benefit of the journalism community and extended its impact beyond traditional boundaries.

“Chapters ebb and flow, rise and fall,” said Michael Koretzky, SPJ Region 3 Coordinator. “When they’re their best, they’re led by presidents like Laura Downey. Laura toiled nonstop to bring SPJ Georgia back to its former glory—and perhaps exceed it.”

The new Board will take office on May 5, 2025.

About SPJ and SPJ Georgia

The Society of Professional Journalists is the oldest organization representing journalists in the United States. It is dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and educating current and future journalists through professional development. The SPJ Code of Ethics has become a standard for ethical reporting and is applied by most news organizations across the U.S.

The Georgia Pro Chapter of SPJ represents working journalists and communication experts in the state who believe in the field of professional journalism and are committed to advocating for their peers and the public’s right to know.

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