Brian Eckert, director of media and public relations at the University of Richmond and Region 2 Director of the Society of Professional Journalists, was named 2013 Regional Director of the Year during the recent Excellence in Journalism Conference.
The award was announced at the SPJ President’s Installation Banquet at Excellence in Journalism 2013 in Anaheim, Calif. This is the second time Eckert has won the award since its inception in 2001. The award honors a regional director who serves and contributes to his or her region in the most outstanding fashion during the previous year and is based primarily on nominations and letters of recommendation.
Region 2 comprises six professional chapters and 13 student chapters in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia. When presenting the award, outgoing president Sonny Albarado praised Eckert for his dedication to the organization and the personal relationships he has formed within it. And it’s clear that the relationships Eckert has forged relationships that have benefited the organization.
“Being a region director is a religious experience,” Eckert said, laughing. “I have prayed for leadership to show up in places.”
Eckert is a past president of Virginia Pro Chapter, and most recently served as treasurer.
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