Veteran communicator and longtime NABJ member brings decades of leadership to new role
By Milton Kirby | August 8, 2025 | Cleveland, OH
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) has appointed Elise Durham as its next executive director, marking a pivotal moment in the organization’s leadership as it heads into its next 50 years of advocacy and excellence in journalism.
Elise Durham, a seasoned communications professional with more than three decades of experience in television news, public affairs, and government relations, will assume the role this fall. Her selection follows an extensive nationwide search conducted by the NABJ executive board and an ad hoc executive director search advisory committee. Candidates were evaluated on key metrics critical to navigating the evolving landscape of media and journalism, and Durham emerged as a clear frontrunner, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the role.
Currently, Durham serves as the Assistant General Manager of Marketing, Communications, and Public Affairs at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest airport in the world. There, she has sucessfully managed a multimillion-dollar communications portfolio and leads a team of 30, building partnerships with corporate, community, and strategic stakeholders. She previously served as communications director for Atlanta Mayors Keisha Lance Bottoms and Andre Dickens, and as Executive Director of Strategic Communications at Morehouse College, where she helped raise $120 million in a capital campaign.
Durham’s connection to NABJ runs deep. A member for over 35 years, she has held multiple leadership roles within the organization, including convention program chair, convention chair, and producer of several U.S. presidential candidate forums. She also orchestrated the Founders’ Reception at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
“I am honored and ready to help lead NABJ into its next, most transformative chapter grounded in vision, advocacy, innovation, and love,” Durham said. “I often say that NABJ is the longest love affair I have ever had, and I am excited about what the future will bring.”
Her journey with NABJ began as a student at Florida A&M University, where she participated in the first-ever NABJ Short Course. She remains engaged with her alma mater, serving on the Board of Visitors for the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication.
Durham also brings newsroom experience, having worked at six television stations, including Atlanta’s WSB-TV, where she helped produce two of the nation’s top-rated news programs. She has raised tens of thousands of dollars for scholarships through the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and currently serves as its Parliamentarian.
NABJ President Ken Lemon expressed confidence in Durham’s ability to build on the organization’s legacy. “The selection of our next executive director now allows the current executive board, which also serves as NABJ’s personnel committee, to fulfill responsibilities they were elected to do,” Lemon said. “That includes ensuring an executive director is in place and empowered to do the business of NABJ as we roll into our next 50 years.”
The transition comes as longtime Executive Director Drew Berry prepares to retire later this year. The NABJ board emphasized the importance of a smooth leadership shift to maintain organizational stability and strong relationships with sponsors and partners—many of whom are attending this year’s convention.
This transition marks a significant moment in NABJ’s history, signaling a new era of leadership and growth.
Berry voiced his enthusiasm for Durham’s selection: “We are thrilled to welcome Elise Durham as NABJ’s next executive director. With a deep understanding of our organizational history and culture, and a proven track record of visionary leadership, she is uniquely positioned and qualified to guide NABJ into its next chapter,” he said. “Serving this extraordinary organization has been the honor of a lifetime. I leave this position proud of what we’ve built together.”
Durham’s appointment signifies both a continuation of NABJ’s mission and a bold step forward, promising renewed energy, strategic growth, and a future rooted in the values that have defined the organization for nearly five decades.
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