As a Florida A&M University School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (FAMU SJGC) student, alumna Elise Durham attended the National Association of Black Journalists’ (NABJ) first-ever short course held at FAMU. The program, designed to train and guide upcoming journalism professionals, was a steppingstone to her impactful career as a storyteller, producer, and communications leader.
This week, that moment has come full circle, as Durham was named the new executive director of NABJ at the start of the NABJ Convention & Career Fair in Cleveland.
The organization is the largest of its kind in the United States, supporting journalists of color across all forms of media and communications. Durham’s selection comes at a pivotal time in NABJ’s history, as this year it celebrates 50 years of offering innovative training, career advancement opportunities, and advocacy initiatives for Black journalists and media professionals.
Durham, who received her degree in broadcast journalism from FAMU SJGC in 1991, said in a statement: “I am honored and ready to help lead NABJ into its next, most transformative chapter grounded in vision, advocacy, innovation, and love. I often say that NABJ is the longest love affair I have ever had, and I am excited about what the future will bring.”
As executive director, Durham will help maintain NABJ’s position at the forefront of journalism and focus on leading the organization to its next level of growth and sustainability. She will serve as a key spokesperson representing the organization to stakeholders and the public and lead efforts to strengthen NABJ’s financial health by developing strategic plans and recommending improvements to its financial infrastructure.
Durham is a recipient of SJGC’s Thelma Thurston Gorham Distinguished Alumni Award and has chaired and supported the school’s popular annual Grads Are Back event on multiple occasions. She is also a member of SJGC’s Board of Visitors, a body of accomplished journalists, communications executives, industry leaders, and prominent alumni dedicated to supporting, advancing, and protecting the school’s efforts to prepare students for successful careers.
Durham’s FAMU ties also include previously serving as the university’s assistant vice president of communications, media relations, and marketing.
An experienced communications executive with more than 30 years across business, education, government, media, and brand strategy, Durham most recently served as assistant general manager for marketing and communications at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. She also served as director of communications for two Atlanta mayoral administrations and executive director of strategic communications at Morehouse College. A multiple Emmy and Telly award-winning journalist, Durham founded The Producer Pod, a consultancy focusing on people-centered narratives.
SJGC congratulates Durham and wishes her and NABJ much success!
