The foundation’s board

Virginia SPJ,SDX Educational Foundation officers

Martha Steger
President

Steger is a freelance journalist who has been a city magazine editor and served 25 years as public relations director for the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

Caroline Caldwell
Vice President

Cardwell is a public relations strategist for the Virginia Retirement System.

Jeff South
Secretary

South, a former newspaper editor and reporter who taught journalism at Virginia Commonwealth University, was president of SPJVA from 2019 to 2021.

Brian Eckert, Treasurer
and Executive Director

Eckert is an independent media consultant and freelance writer with decades of experience in news and public relations.

Trustees

Clissa England

England, a freelancer, was an editor at the Richmond Times-Dispatch for about 20 years. She was president of the SPJ Virginia Pro Chapter in 1984-85.

Nicole Livas

Livas, a former TV anchor, is the chief communications and community engagement officer for Virginia Beach City Public Schools.

Chris Tyree

Tyree, who was elected SPJVA president in 2024, is the senior director and co-founder of the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO.