Officers
Karen Ayala
President
About Karen
Contact: karen18@vt.edu
Gordon Block
Vice Presient
About Gordon
Contact: gblock@vt.edu
Jennifer Dawood
Secretary
Jennifer is a junior at Virginia Tech, double majoring in Communication for
journalism, and Philosophy. Born and raised in Westchester, New york, she
intends on pursuing a career in medical journalism, specifically oncology.
Contact: J.D@vt.edu
Ben Brandis
Treasurer
Ben Brandis is a junior majoring in Communication and Management hailing
from Kernersville, North Carolina. In addition to serving as Treasurer of
SPJ, Ben is also a member of Leadership Tech, a jury panel member for the
academic honor court, and plays in the University Campus Band. In high
school, Ben was actively involved in dean's council, National Honor Society,
and the marching band - even earning the title of Drum Major his senior
year. Ben hopes to pursue a career in broadcasting, with such models as
Brian Williams, Matt Lauer, and Walter Cronkite. Although he is a self-proclaimed news junkie, he is passionate about commercial aviation and flying in general. His eventual goal is to be a commercial airline pilot, safely transporting people around the world on a daily basis. Ben has been
a member of the Society of Professional journalists since transferring to
Virginia Tech in fall of 2008. Ben is looking forward to an exciting year
of SPJ to follow!
Contact: bbrandis@vt.edu
Rachel Lombardo
Public Relations Chair
Rachel Lombardo is a sophomore majoring in communication with a concentration in public relations and a cognate in marketing. She is working towards a minor in professional writing as well. Rachel is a member of the Virginia Tech Union in the PR and Concerts sectors and volunteers for Students Helping Honduras. Joining SPJ in the fall of her freshman year, Rachel is looking forward to three more great years!
Contact: rlombardo@vt.edu
Patrick Murphy
Program Chair
About Patrick
Contact: patrick1@vt.edu
Kylie Stankoviks
Historian
About Kylie
Contact: kystanks@vt.edu
Christine Snopek
Membership Co-Chair
About Christine
Contact: csnopek@vt.edu
Megan Strawther
SPJ Ambassador
Contact: mstrawther@vt.edu
Carissa Nichols
Webmaster
Hello, my name is Carissa Nichols and I am a senior. I am a Communications and Literature double degree with an International Studies minor and I am set to graduate in December. I am focusing on broadcasting journalism and I am a reporter and photographer for Planet Blacksburg. I encourage everyone to check out the site for future meeting dates and info. The Society of Professional Journalists offers a number of opportunities to network with professionals and students. In addition, I look forward to meeting all of you.
Contact: cnich87@vt.edu