The boards of the Association of Health Care Journalists and the Center for Excellence in Health Care Journalism will see the return of four familiar faces and gain two new ones. New board members begin their terms on Sept. 2.
The new members are Jason Kane, producer for NBC News, and Usha Lee McFarling, director of the Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT.
Kane brings deep experience in television health journalism and has championed greater inclusion of video storytellers in AHCJ programs.
McFarling, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and former AHCJ International Health Study Fellow, aims to support early-career journalists, expand representation and guide members in navigating AI and other emerging tools.
Those returning to the board are STAT managing editor Gideon Gil (Vice President), Illinois Public Media editor and independent journalist Christine Herman (Secretary) and independent journalists Michele Cohen Marill and Tammy Worth (Membership committee co-chairs).
After 16 years of service, board president and independent journalist Felice J. Freyer will step down from the AHCJ board on Sept. 1. During her time as president, Freyer led the search and hired executive director Kelsey Ryan, championed increasing membership diversity and encouraged AHCJ’s launch of the Health Journalism Slack Community to replace the outdated listserv.
Freyer also worked with staff and board to create a strategic plan for AHCJ and, single-handedly, over the last few months, revamped the AHCJ bylaws — the first rewrite since the organization’s incorporation more than a quarter-century ago.
“With these election results, I know I’m leaving the AHCJ board in good hands,” Freyer said. “Jason brings a perspective from broadcast journalism, while Usha heads up an important educational program. Gideon, Christine, Tammy and Michele have already contributed in significant ways, organizing our contest, boosting our membership, overseeing our finances, and supporting our freelancers. I hope they will all find serving on the board as rewarding as I did.”
Board member and independent journalist Dawn Fallik also concluded her service after two years on the board. AHCJ extends its deep gratitude to both Freyer and Fallik for their years of dedication and leadership.
Board members have two-year terms and no term limits. Only AHCJ’s professional members can vote in board elections or run for the board.
Members participated in the election via email ballot from June 16 through July 18.
