Controversy over executive director selection leads to member banning, board removal request

By Brandon Henry

The National Association of Black Journalists’ Board of Directors is investigating two members who accused each other of violating various parts of the organization’s Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy. One member was banned from attending any election events during this cycle, while the other could be suspended or removed from their position.

The disagreement stems from the board selecting a new executive director during the current election cycle. Many requested to table the decision until after the election, but on Tuesday, NABJ selected Elise Durham as its next executive director. She will begin in the fall.

Last week, Vice President-Broadcast Walter Smith Randolph filed a complaint against former Vice President-Print Kathy Chaney. Smith Randolph accused Chaney of sending a lengthy text expressing her disappointment with his involvement in the executive director selection process. 

“Based on the disturbing text that you recently sent to Smith Randolph, we agree that your text and other behavior have been intimidating, threatening, and bullying. It also violates NABJ’s Code of Conduct,” per an email sent to Chaney from NABJ Elections on Aug. 1.

As a result, NABJ banned Chaney from attending any election events during the convention. 

Smith Randolph, currently running for re-election, called this situation “unfortunate,” saying, “we call ourselves a family…we should act accordingly…we have much bigger fish to fry.”

Chaney said she was “infuriated” and saw Smith Randolph as a friend. They served together on the board for four years. She said she wanted to convince him to vote against selecting a new executive director “because that was in the best interest of the membership.”

“I feel that this search should not be happening right now, and a decision should not be happening this close, this soon, to the convention, especially when we will have new board members,” said Chaney.

In response to the banning, Chaney requested an investigation and petitioned the board for the suspension or removal of Smith Randolph during Tuesday’s meeting. Smith Randolph left the room almost immediately after Chaney began speaking.  He did not hear her accusations.  

“Mr. Smith Randolph improperly shared on Jan. 31, 2024, a copy of the executive director’s employment contract containing personal and sensitive information, including salary in terms of employment with at least one NABJ member who is not a member of the executive board, personnel committee, or full board of directors,” said Chaney.

“A formal complaint has been submitted to the board of directors, and it will now undergo a review process to determine if there has been a violation of NABJ’s code of conduct,” NABJ Parliamentarian Sia Nyorkor told The Monitor on Wednesday.

Smith Randolph said he thinks this conflict between him and Chaney is a distraction that is taking away from what matters.

“It’s our 50th anniversary, we have so much more to do, this is just really sad…I don’t think it sets a good example for student journalists, for new members, and for people who want to see this organization thrive,” said Smith Randolph.