Former News-Leader reporter receives SPJ honor

Ron Sylvester, who spent 24 years with the Springfield News-Leader and now works at the Wichita Eagle, has been named regional director of the year for the Society of Professional Journalists:

According to Immediate Past President Christine Tatum, Sylvester received the Regional Director of the Year award because of his dedication to furthering the journalism field and his abilities to help journalists and citizens understand why newsgathering plays an important role in shaping communities.

"I salute Ron Sylvester for serving as a great example of where journalists -- many of whom are struggling to navigate a news industry plagued with turmoil and uncertainty -- should be heading," Tatum said. "Ron has invited everyone -- not just SPJ members in his region -- to learn alongside him, to collaborate with him and to contribute to the big-idea discussions he facilitates through SPJ's 'Technolo-J' blog.

"Ron is also an exceptional regional director because he innovates and isn't afraid to push SPJ into new territory

that helps the Society retain members and continue its profoundly important work."