PASSING THE GAVEL — The newly installed officers of the Cleveland Media Association, from left, are Ryan Faricelli, public relations for the organization; Nancy Neal, secretary; Jamie Creekmore, outgoing president; Barry Melton, president; Cari Shanks, president-elect; and Allen Mincey, vice president. Roger Johnson, treasurer, was not available for this photo. Banner photo, LUCIE R. WILLSIE
New officers for the CMA were installed at its monthly meeting Friday.
They are Ryan Faricelli, public relations officer; Roger Johnson, treasurer; Barry Melton, president; Allen Mincey, vice president; Nancy Neal, secretary; and Cari Shanks, president-elect. The outgoing president is Jamie Creekmore.
Melton, the newly installed president of the CMA, talked about the future of the organization and some new ideas and possible upcoming changes in the offing, in addition to the new lineup of officers.
First of all, the organization is trying to broaden its membership to meet the modern changes in nontraditional media. A leadership group is being considered to help direct the organization in a new and exciting direction.
“Some may feel they don’t fit,” Melton said. “This year, we’re looking specifically not to exclude anyone.”
In fact, Cleveland can look forward to a new CMA website that will go online in a few weeks.
Melton said a possible name change would reflect the broader changes in scope.
Melton remarked that what media was in 1998, when the CMA was founded, is vastly different from today. Today’s CMA wants to make sure it is keeping up with the times, the new media professionals and the new media jobs.
Melton suggested a few other ideas already presented by the officers and members.
One idea is to hold forums or seminars, somewhat similar in tone to the Business Incubator at Cleveland State Community College, for individuals interested in the business and skills in communications and/or publishing, such as graphics, the writing of press releases, and other related topics, a couple of times per year.
“We would also like to make our programs more relevant,” Melton said. “We are going through interesting times. Cleveland is coming into its own.”
The new officers invite people to e-mail them with ideas for the organization, as well as the possible new name change.
—
Online:
Ryan.faricelli@lcca.com
clevelandmediaassociation@yahoo.com
barry_melton@lcca.com
amincey@bellsouth.net
cari_shanks@lcca.com
nneal@clevelandchamber.com
