She did it her way

Outgoing President Sarah Glover reflects on her two terms at the helm of NABJ

By Elaijah Gibbs-Jones

NABJ Monitor

Outgoing NABJ President Sarah Glover is hours away from ending two consecutive terms during which she closed the organization’s fiscal gap, found new revenues, expanded its mission overseas and continued to promote advocacy.

Glover embraced “her way” of leadership.

One of Glover’s three promises to the NABJ organization was to return it to solid financial ground anchored by an industry-recognized strategic plan.

This year’s projected revenue was set for $2.9 million. As of June 1, NABJ has generated $3 million in revenues.

The other two initiatives included igniting NABJ’s advocacy efforts and running a Media Institute to attract new fundraising and support. This resulted in the launch of Glover’s “labor of love,” The Black Male Media project, and expanded the global outreach programs.

“For the first time, we have touched down in Asia, China, the Middle East, Latin America and Colombia,” Glover said. “That’s a huge expansion of NABJ’s footprint.’’

Many executive board members view Glover’s financial success as her strongest contribution to NABJ.

“When Sarah came on in 2015 as president, NABJ was in a semi-crisis financially. We had to take care of a lot of things to get our house in order,” said Treasurer Greg Morrison. “She was willing to make some choices and decisions that helped turn us around.”

Region III Director Ken Lemon said bringing NABJ’s budget into the black would help spur investments into programs and scholarships.

Glover said if she were to have more time in office, she would raise another $1 million for grants for the organization. Even after her presidency ends on Sunday, she plans to make that her personal commitment to the organization. 

Additionally, Glover said she wants to see the job portal on NABJ’s website generate revenue and for the future executive board to continue to implement advocacy.

“I think we’ve had some remarkable advocacy and I’d like to see that continue so that we can continue to speak truth to power,” Glover said. “It’s really important organizationally, and we’re living the vision of our founders.’’

“She’s given the last four years of her life,’’ said Morrison, “and people don’t recognize that when you do board service, especially as president, that you are basically putting your old career on hold while you do this work.”