Five Minnesota journalists begin their first terms as SPJ board members in July. One sitting member, KSTP-TV producer Amanda Lutz, was re-elected to a second term. Four active SPJ board members assume chapter leadership positions.

Joan Gilbertson, WCCO-TV producer, is the new president of the state chapter, elected to the position in 2006. Winning officer positions this year are Pioneer Press reporter Nicole Garrison-Sprenger, president-elect, Pioneer Press business columnist Dave Beal, treasurer, and Sun Newspapers photographer Scott Theisen, secretary.

The new directors are Forum Communications capitol correspondent Don Davis, Midwest Home magazine assistant editor Alyssa Ford, freelance writer Andrew Tellijohn, Thisweek Newspapers editor Jeff Achen, and Minneapolis Star Tribune assistant business editor Karen Lundegaard. Four directors fill two-year terms, two will serve one-year terms.

The election spans a full month in keeping with the chapter’s bylaws and seeks votes from more than 100 Minnesota SPJ members.