LION Board gets new leadership; Allred, Powell to steer org

The Board of Directors of LION Publishers has new leadership.

The Board approved the transition at its annual meeting Thursday, Oct. 22, approving Jay Allred as Chair of the Board and electing Tracie Powell as Vice Chair.

Under LION’s bylaws, Chair and Vice Chair terms last for one year each; the Vice Chair becomes Chair after that year passes, subject to approval of a majority Board vote.

“When I initially joined LION Publishers in 2015, I felt as though our team at Richland Source had found our community. Almost instantly, our ambitions seemed more attainable because we knew others had made it,” Allred said. “I’m honored to serve as Board Chair for such a dynamic organization that has never been needed more than it is right now.”

“I remember my first LION Conference. I thought to myself, ‘finally, these are my people.’ Back then it was hard to find other publishers who were doing what I was doing, launching my own independent news organization. Now, I’m helping to lead that organization as vice chair. What an incredibly humbling experience this is,” Powell said. “And I couldn’t be more honored than to serve alongside one of the best partners one could ask for, Jay Allred.”

Kelly Gilfillan is LION’s immediate past chair, and also co-chairs LION’s ad hoc Strategy Committee, alongside new board member Cierra Hinton. The Committee will work with LION Publishers staff to develop a three to five year strategic plan for the association.

“I’m ecstatic to have Jay and Tracie at the helm of LION Publisher’s board. I’m just as excited to work alongside Cierra Hinton and the Strategic Planning Committee members as we work to provide a plan that will serve our members whether they are just getting started or working toward success for a decade. LION is all about helping our members and this plan is so important to all of us.”

The board also thanked QCity Metro Publisher Glenn Burkins and MyEverett Publisher Teresa Wippel for their service. Burkins was a LION board member from 2017-2020, and served as a founding LION Publishers board member from 2012-2013. Wippel served from 2017-2020.

LION is currently seeking applicants for those inside and outside our membership who are willing to serve on committees; you can indicate your interest by filling out this form.