The State News board is legally and financially responsible for State News, Inc., a Michigan 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation directed by twelve (12) elected board members.

The State News Media Group is the parent organization of The State News, statenews.com, getSNworks.com, Grand & Division Agency and our commercial real estate operations.

However, as a matter of policy, the board of directors is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the newspaper, website, State News organization, or SNworks.

The board works with the general manager to ensure the financial and editorial independence of the organization by:

• Setting broad policy, strategic planning and long-term goals
• Review final report from an annual financial audit
• Approving annual budget and capital plan
• Selecting the Editor-in-Chief
• Recruitment and selecting the general manager (if vacant)

Of the twelve members of the Board:

Four (4) members are employed professionally full-time in the news media or with recent full-time experience in media, and, if possible, are alumni of Michigan State University;

Three (3) members are Michigan State University employees - either tenure-stream faculty, faculty emeritus or professional staff with job security as defined by the university;

Five (5) members are undergraduate or graduate students registered at Michigan State University who are not employed by The State News.

Board members must attend seven (7) board meetings held monthly during the fall and spring semesters. Generally, board meetings last no longer than 2 hours. A listing of the 2024-2025 meeting dates is here. In person Board meetings are held at The State News building, 435 E. Grand River Avenue.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the safety of our professional staff, student staff, and board member board meeting attendance is virtually using Zoom.

Board members commit a few hours per month on board-related responsibilities. This commitment includes attending board meetings and serving on board committees. As a member of the board, you will serve on one (1) committee. Committee work is attended remotely, and meetings are virtual using zoom.

The board currently has three different committees:

• Technology and Facilities
• Finance and Policy
• Human Resources and Board Development

Board members serve a two-year term with elections occurring each September. In even-numbered years (i.e., 2000), two professional, two faculty/staff, and two students are elected. In odd-numbered years (i.e., 2001), two professionals, one faculty/staff, and three students are elected. Board members may serve an indefinite number of consecutive terms, and students may serve successive terms provided they remain registered at Michigan State University.

Applications are accepted year-round, and any vacancies will be filled as needed. The State News will keep all applications on file, and you will be contacted if a vacancy occurs. Board Interviews will be held at the next available meeting date.

For additional information on The State News Board of Directors, please contact Chris Richert, General Manager.

For additional information on The State News, please visit the contact page on State News.com