[level-non-member]
Members, remember to log in to view this post.
[/level-non-member]
[level-membersupporter]
Seven OWAA members are running for three seats on OWAA’s Board of Directors. Ballots will be mailed to all Active, Senior Active and Life members in April and must be returned to OWAA headquarters by May 2. The election will be held May 6. Results will be published in Outdoors Unlimited and on the main OWAA website. Three elected candidates will begin serving three-year board terms on July 11, 2011. Candidates are listed by lottery drawing. They were asked to submit a short biography and answers to the same four questions, which were drafted by OWAA’s Board Nominating Committee.
QUESTIONS:
1. Why do you want to run for a seat on OWAA’s Board of Directors and what do you feel you can bring to the governance of the organization?
2. How many OWAA conferences have you attended and what can OWAA do to produce a more meaningful conference program?
3. What do you see as the biggest challenge to OWAA today?
4. What are your ideas for making OWAA more attractive to prospective new members and for retaining longtime members?
[hr]
CHRIS HUNT
Residence: Idaho.
Years of OWAA membership: Four.
Conferences attended: Five.
Committees: None, though he has judged contest entries in the past.
Chris Hunt is a freelance writer and the communications director for Trout Unlimited’s Sportsmen’s Conservation Project. He lives in Idaho Falls, Idaho, with his wife, Liza, and two children, Delaney, 12, and Cameron, 8.
1. Why do you want to run for a seat on OWAA’s Board of Directors, and what do you feel you can bring to the governance of the organization?
Over the years, I have become very fond of OWAA and its membership. Not only has membership in the organization helped me professionally, but I’ve developed some wonderful friendships within the organization that mean the world to me. It’s time I gave back to the organization, and I have the needed energy and the perspective I think is needed to help steer OWAA through these challenging and changing times.
2. How many OWAA conferences have you attended, and what can OWAA do to produce a more meaningful conference program?
I’ve attended five conferences in a row, beginning with Lake Charles, La., in 2006. In my opinion, each subsequent conference has offered quality content to its members, but, with the media landscape changing more and more every year, OWAA’s offerings to members at conference need to be adaptive and diverse. I work with the media every day, both as a freelancer and as a communications professional, so I see its continual metamorphosis into something much more nebulous than many of us are truly comfortable with. Offering more and varied content geared toward educating the traditional outdoor communicator in the ways of digital and online media is vital. Additionally, welcoming those who are already traveling the digital media path into our fraternity is important, both for the credibility of those communicators, and for the future of OWAA.
3. What do you see as the biggest challenge to OWAA today?
My experiences with OWAA have led to quality relationships with legends in our field, and I’m grateful for that. That said, OWAA is an aging organization that needs to focus much of its attention on attracting younger members who are likely engaged in non-traditional communication with outdoor media consumers. I love and respect our tenured and senior members, and I’ve learned a lot from them. We need to introduce a new generation of communicators to these legends in our field before we miss that opportunity.
4. What are your ideas for making OWAA more attractive to prospective new members and for retaining longtime members?
Both challenges involve education. First, we need to help long-time members take the leap into the digital age, and I’ve been encouraged to see some of our more heralded, long-time members do exactly that. Enlisting their newfound expertise to encourage other members to embrace new media would speak volumes of OWAA’s efforts to adapt to a changing media landscape. Additionally, providing more content geared toward new media, and marketing that content online and at conference, would likely attract attention from prospective members.
[hr]
GARY HOWEY
Residence: Nebraska.
Years of OWAA membership: 20.
Conferences attended: Six.
Committees: None.
Gary Howey is president of Outdoorsmen Productions LLC, with expertise in print, radio, television and public relations. He is producer and host of the Outdoorsmen Adventures Television series, and an outdoor columnist for publications in Nebraska, South Dakota and Iowa. Howey is a former executive director of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers.
1. Why do you want to run for a seat on OWAA’s Board of Directors, and what do you feel you can bring to the governance of the organization?
I feel that becoming a board member of OWAA would be a great honor and that I could help membership grow as I’ve dealt with membership recruitment and retention while serving on numerous state and regional boards.
2. How many OWAA conferences have you attended, and what can OWAA do to produce a more meaningful conference program?
I’ve attended six OWAA conferences and feel that networking at these conferences has helped expand my outdoor-related business. Giving attendees numerous opportunities prior to, during and after the conference to develop stories and take photos is important. This produces a more meaningful program and attendance will increase.
3. What do you see as the biggest challenge to OWAA today?
The largest challenge I see is membership. We need to emphasize everything that OWAA has to offer, including the opportunity to learn more about outdoor communications from some of the top outdoor communicators in the industry.
4. What are your ideas for making OWAA more attractive to prospective new members and for retaining longtime members?
I feel that in order to attract prospective members, we need to make a big push for younger members. We can do this by emphasizing internship programs and working with high schools and colleges. We need to give younger individuals the opportunity to see all that’s involved in the outdoor communication business.
[hr]
BRUCE COCHRAN
Residence: Kansas.
Years of OWAA membership: 17.
Conferences attended: Nine.
Committees: Chair of ad hoc committee to suggest changes to EIC rules; member of ad hoc committee to revise 2012 EIC rules.
Bruce Cochran graduated from University of Oklahoma in 1960 with bachelor’s degree in design. He has worked as a freelance cartoonist, illustrator and humor writer since 1962. Cochran drew “Fun ‘N Games with Cochran,” the daily sports cartoon in USA Today from 1983 to 1991. He also has 11 cartoon and humor books in publication. Cochran is a hunter of ducks, deer, turkey, and pheasants, and fishes for trout, bass and crappie. He is a life sponsor of Ducks Unlimited and a lifetime member of NRA. He is also a member of Delta Waterfowl, Pheasants Forever and Outdoor Writers of Kansas. Cochran has lived in Prairie Village, Kan., since 1964. He is married, has two children and four grandchildren.
1. Why do you want to run for a seat on OWAA’s Board of Directors, and what do you feel you can bring to the governance of the organization?
I want to run for a seat on OWAA’s Board of Directors because, as a cartoonist, illustrator and humor writer, I know I can bring a fresh viewpoint to the board.
2. How many OWAA conferences have you attended, and what can OWAA do to produce a more meaningful conference program?
I’ve attended nine OWAA conferences. I think our conferences can become more meaningful if we get back to focusing on the craft of writing. I say that from the viewpoint of a writer. I’ll leave it to those who work in other fields to comment on photography, radio, video, etc. I get the impression that our focus has shifted to the technical aspects of our craft such as blogs, websites, and computer programs. These sessions are important and I’ve learned a lot from them but none of this will do you any good if you don’t write well. Focusing more on the basics would be especially helpful to younger members who are just getting started in our profession.
3. What do you see as the biggest challenge to OWAA today?
I think the biggest challenge facing OWAA today is retention of membership and recruitment of new members.
4. What are your ideas for making OWAA more attractive to prospective new members and for retaining longtime members?
We can make OWAA more attractive to prospective members by advertising and recruiting. When we come into contact with others in our field who aren’t members we should tell them about the benefits we derive from OWAA membership. Recruiting more young members would be especially helpful. I would also like to see OWAA play an advocacy role by offering help to members who are having payment and rights issues with publishers. This would be a valuable asset that could entice non- members to join us.
[hr]
MARY J. NICKUM
Residence: Arizona.
Years of OWAA membership: 11.
Conferences attended: More than 10.
Committees: Co-chair of 2011 EIC rules committee; Education; National Affairs and Environment; Norm Strung Youth Awards; Officer Nominating (2006); Contests; ad hoc committee to revise 2010 EIC rules.
Mary J. Nickum is a retired librarian, who is now an editor and freelance writer of fish culture-related articles. Her primary focus is on science for the public. She currently edits the World Aquaculture magazine. Mary’s articles on aquaculture topics are published in: Hatchery International, Aquaculture Magazine, Northern Aquaculture and Fish Farming News.
1. Why do you want to run for a seat on OWAA’s Board of Directors, and what do you feel you can bring to the governance of the organization?
I want to run for a seat on the Board of Directors to continue and strengthen the progress OWAA has made in recent years. I bring experience from serving on other organizations’ boards, committee experience on the OWAA Board (2009-2011), and my experience of more than 15 years in the publication industry.
2. How many OWAA conferences have you attended, and what can OWAA do to produce a more meaningful conference program?
I have attended more than ten OWAA conferences. Meaningful conference programs need to reflect the interests of the membership, including how-to sessions, latest trends in outdoor media and communication, and training sessions on the latest software and other information relevant to writing and publishing.
3. What do you see as the biggest challenge to OWAA today?
I see the biggest challenge to OWAA today to be remaining a viable, helpful organization in light of the current national economic downturn. This would include attracting new members.
4. What are your ideas for making OWAA more attractive to prospective new members and for retaining longtime members?
Attracting new members is the responsibility of and a challenge to all current members. To improve recruitment and retention of members, OWAA must provide value-added services for members, keep dues at a level that is financially feasible for freelancers, and focus on information and skill-building that increases the potential for higher-quality work that in turn pays higher monetary returns. OWAA should develop a system of incentives and rewards for members who recruit new members. Board members should use their status to recruit sustaining members from their professional circles.
[hr]
RANDY ZELLERS
Residence: Arkansas.
Years of OWAA membership: Seven.
Conferences attended: Six.
Committees: Technology (2006).
Randy Zellers has served with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as managing editor of Arkansas Wildlife magazine for seven years. His duties include writing and editing many other publications, such as regulations guidebooks, brochures and biological reports. Before coming to Arkansas, Zellers was a copywriter for Cabela’s in Sidney, Neb., for three years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in forestry/wildlife management from Mississippi State University and a master’s degree in public relations from The University of Southern Mississippi. He also is a member of the National Association of Government Communicators and the Association for Conservation Information. His passions are fishing, bowhunting and small game hunting.
1. Why do you want to run for a seat on OWAA’s Board of Directors, and what do you feel you can bring to the governance of the organization?
I believe I can be an asset to OWAA by offering my expertise in journalism. As an editor who receives articles and a writer who works with other editors, I can see the relationship from both perspectives.
2. How many OWAA conferences have you attended, and what can OWAA do to produce a more meaningful conference program?
Of the six OWAA conferences I have attended, I have been pleased overall with the programs. However, I do see room for improvement, especially in the area of craft development. The Goldenrod Writing Workshop is a step in the right direction, but I would like to see more focus on nuts-andbolts writing, photography and videography at the conference. Topics such as “how to query editors” are important, but a successful sales pitch means nothing if the product is lackluster. Another area that has deteriorated since my first conference in Spokane is the networking opportunity for members. We need more editors, producers and business managers to attend the conference. Without these contacts, members can’t sell articles and feature products of our sponsors.
3. What do you see as the biggest challenge to OWAA today?
The biggest challenge facing OWAA is still dwindling numbers. At 35, I am among the youngest members at the conferences I attend. We are not attracting younger members to pick up the torch when we move on. There will always be a market for professional writers, photographers and videographers, regardless the medium. If we focus on newer, younger membership, they can bring the rest of us up to speed on the technology end of the evolving business model.
4. What are your ideas for making OWAA more attractive to prospective new members and for retaining longtime members?
We make it too hard to join OWAA. We offer student memberships at discounted rates, but we offer nothing to the person who is trying to get on their feet. We should look at an apprenticeship program where a person who doesn’t have a solid foothold in their career may receive member benefits for two years before they have to submit qualifying credentials. Nothing breeds loyalty like true mentoring when a person needs it most. I think the membership drive was a step in the right direction, but the members gained would either have been students or people who already had solid careers. More membership makes the organization more attractive to prospective editors, publishers and producers, and they are the key to retaining members and sponsors. n [Editor’s note: In the past, OWAA had an Apprentice membership category. In 2008, the OWAA membership voted to eliminate this category. Refer to the March 2008 issue of OU for details about that bylaws change.
[hr]
JOHN HAYES
Residence: Minnesota.
Years of OWAA membership: Four.
Conferences attended: Four.
Committees: “I have served on one committee in the past two years and unfortunately there was no participation for it.”
John Hayes lives in northern Minnesota with my wife and two children, one at home and one in college. I have been writing deer hunting articles, human profiles and historical hunting articles for 13 years. In 2006, I wrote a short 100-page booklet on participating in historical events. It was for a very narrow audience but it was my first taste of self-publishing. I am currently working on my second book on the subject of muzzle-loading firearms. I am a graduate of the North American School of Outdoor Writing headed by Roger Brunt. I have also been an attorney for 20 years and I am winding down various parts of my practice so I can devote more time to my writing and growing a small retail business.
1. Why do you want to run for a seat on OWAA’s Board of Directors, and what do you feel you can bring to the governance of the organization?
I want to run for a seat on OWAA’s Board of Directors because I want to be involved in the governance of the organization. Nearly everyone has something to contribute and should see it as a duty to pitch in. I have been an OWAA member for four years, but feel I can bring the views of a “new member” to the attention of the board. My experience with four other boards goes back 22 years and comprises countless committees. That experience has forced me to make decisions based upon the integration of short-term and long-term goals with the overall mission of the organization.
2. How many OWAA conferences have you attended, and what can OWAA do to produce a more meaningful conference program?
I have attended four conferences in four years. I have most appreciated the opportunity to meet with various editors and confer with peers who write books. Obviously, everyone who is serious about attending any conference wishes for at least one precious nugget of experience, insight, connection or a new friendship. I dare say the success of any conference may be judged by how many nuggets any attendee has found. The real goal is that any attendee finds all these and more, and has fun doing it. In Rochester, I learned how to create a website which is akin to establishing a home and inviting in everyone who is interested.
3. What do you see as the biggest challenge to OWAA today?
Today I see the biggest challenge for OWAA being the relevance of print media. Will communication occur in the form of stories and experiences, photos and art that will continue to capture the attention and imagination from young teenagers to octogenarians? We still need well-developed stories. We can always learn from the experiences, good and bad, of others. However, getting those themes into electronic media without it degrading into a quip or sound bite is the real challenge.
4. What are your ideas for making OWAA more attractive to prospective new members and for retaining longtime members?
No one can deny that OWAA must compete more aggressively for the attention of all generations. I believe getting that attention is based upon a mutual interest in being successful. Any member should feel they cannot do without the benefits of membership. One of the biggest benefits should be that OWAA members are proven to be successful.
[hr]
RORY AIKENS
Residence: Arizona.
Years of OWAA membership: 10.
Conferences attended: Two.
Committees: “None – have volunteered, never selected. I have judged contests at the behest of both Bob Hirsch and Ann Hirsch.”
Rory Aikens is a veteran journalist who has worked for the Arizona Game and Fish Department for more than 20 years as a public information officer. He also worked community newspapers for a dozen years. “Even with Game and Fish, my purpose is always to inform my readers to the best of my ability. I have not been a newsman working for a wildlife agency, but a journalist working his craft for the agency. To me, there is a significant difference,” Aikens said. Aikens has served on as a board member for the Western Outdoor Writers Association during its brief existence and was one of the founding members. He has also served on the Arizona Press Club Board of Directors and was the president of the Northern Arizona Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists for two years. “While with the Press Club and the SPJ, I was in charge of setting up workshops for journalists, but also worked closely with Arizona’s three universities,” he said. Aikens also served for two years on the Lumberjack (student newspaper) board at the Northern Arizona University. Aikens’ freelancing career, though, stretches way back. His first published outdoor article was in 1966. He still writes for periodicals, but scaled back in the past year to work on a major book project. He is currently working with Arizona Highways Magazine on an Arizona fishing guide book, in collaboration with the Game and Fish Department. The book is due out in December 2011.
1. Why do you want to run for a seat on OWAA’s Board of Directors, and what do you feel you can bring to the governance of the organization?
It’s time to serve again. The communication world is changing rapidly. Not only do we need to keep pace with continually emerging technologies as communicators, but as an organization serving writers OWAA also needs to not just keep pace, but help its members do so as well. I already see that happening.
2. How many OWAA conferences have you attended, and what can OWAA do to produce a more meaningful conference program?
I have attended two conferences. It’s a constant challenge to make the emerging technologies work for us rather than against us. As a board member, I would like to help find ways to meet those continuing challenges and opportunities.
3. What do you see as the biggest challenge to OWAA today?
The continual loss of outdoor sections and columns in newspapers across the country and the move to more digital communications is creating a whole new world out there for outdoor journalists. The biggest challenge for OWAA is helping its membership turn the emerging challenges into opportunities.
4. What are your ideas for making OWAA more attractive to prospective new members and for retaining longtime members?
We need to reach out to the new breed of outdoor writers, who are often bloggers and the like, while still meeting the needs of the traditional outdoor writers. It’s a tough balancing act, and not always a comfortable one.♦
[/level-membersupporter]