College Park, MD (December 23, 2011)-- NBC-5 Chicago producer, Carol Ash has been appointed Special Events Chair for the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) 2012 Convention & Career Fair, held June 20-24, in New Orleans.

Ash was selected by NABJ President Greg Lee to work alongside Convention Chair, Rod Hicks and Program Chair, Benet Wilson, and has been tasked with leading special events efforts.

NABJ  expects thousands of journalists, media executives, public relations professionals, and students in attendance to network, participate in professional development sessions and celebrate excellence in journalism. NABJ will host an array of special events during the convention including: the Salute to Excellence Gala, the NABJ Gospel Brunch, the NABJ National Golf Tournament, and NABJ After Dark. For the full convention schedule and information on additional special events, please visit here.

"New Orleans 2012 is gearing up to be one of the best Conventions NABJ has ever had. I am pleased that Carol Ash will be spearheading our special events," said President Lee. "Our marquee social events are what make NABJ Conventions special. Carol has the vision and the experience to make those events memorable for attendees."

Ash recently launched and currently produces the NBC-5 Chicago news at noon. She has 15 years’ experience in news and has worked at 5 television stations across the country.  

Ash holds a Master’s Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. She is also an Adjunct Professor at Kennedy King College in Chicago where she teaches writing/producing classes and led the launch of the Media Communications Department’s student run newscast. She also led the colleges Emmy Award-winning coverage of the 2008 election. 

Ash is a long-time, committed NABJ member, and has been active both national and locally. She has served as Deputy Region IV Director,  President & Secretary of the Palm Beach Association of Black Journalists,  and Scholarship Chair of the Triangle Association of Black Journalists. Nationally she's served as Mentorship Co-Chair,  and  Executive board member of the Young Journalist Task Force. 

She has produced a number of NABJ events including local and regional award and scholarship galas, The Gospel Brunch, and Salute to Excellence Gala. Ash is also producing the upcoming NABJ Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, to be held next month in Washington, DC.

Ash is seeking volunteers and coordinators to assist with special events for the convention, she can be reached at mscarol7@hotmail.com, facebook.com/carolash, or @carol_ash on Twitter. 

An advocacy group established in 1975 in Washington, D.C. NABJ is the largest organization of journalists of color in the nation and provides educational, career development and support to black journalists worldwide. 

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