Rodney B. Berry

Rodney is president of the Public Life Foundation of Owensboro. He joined the foundation in 2000 following twelve years with RiverPark (performing arts) Center. His volunteer and civic experience includes work in education, health care, youth, social services, tourism, and community development. He is a graduate of Western Kentucky University.

Dave Boeyink

Dave is Associate Professor of Journalism and Director of Media Studies, Poynter Center for the Study of Ethics and American Institutions, Indiana University. He holds a B.A. degree from Central College and an M.T.S. and Ph.D. from Harvard University. From 1978-87, he was Editorial Page Editor for the Messenger-Inquirer. He has published articles in Journal of Religious Ethics, Journal of Mass Media Ethics, Newspaper Journal, and Journalism Quarterly.

Fran Ellers

Fran works as a writer, editor, and communications consultant. She is a former reporter with the Louisville Courier-Journal and was a frequent panelist on Kentucky Educational Television’s “Comment on Kentucky.” Her clients include the Public Life Foundation of Owensboro, University of Kentucky Center for Rural Health, and the Kentucky League of Cities.

John S. Hager

John established the Public Life Foundation of Owensboro in 1996 following the sale of the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer to the Belo Corporation (Dallas, TX). A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Michigan College of Law, he was a practicing attorney for 19 years prior to returning to the family newspaper in 1973. He has been involved in numerous civic initiatives, including a lead role in the establishment of the Owensboro Community College. In 1996, the Kentucky Press Association honored him with its “most valuable member” award. He was named to the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame in 2002.

Ed Staats

Ed served The Associated Press for 41 years, as a reporter, editor and administrator in 10 AP offices, including the AP’s headquarters in New York. He retired in mid-2002 ending a career that bridged the print, broadcast, cable, and online news businesses. At his retirement, he was in charge of AP’s Kentucky operations, a position he had held since the mid-1980’s. He is a member of the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame.