Petrow eyes new projects

By Sarah Anderson
NLGJA Reporter Staff

Steven Petrow just wants to stay home.

The NLGJA president ends his two-year term Sunday and said he feels pleased with the job he’s done, particularly working with the national board to make the organization more inclusive.

“I’m ready to move on, I want to work on my new book and I want to travel less,” he said.

Improving representation of minority groups was one of Petrow’s toughest challenges and most prized achievements, he said. Under his leadership, the organization seated its first transgender members on the board of directors, increased its ethnic minority membership to 14 percent and held its first LGBT media summit.

“He substantially helped bring everyone together,” said President-elect Eric Hegedus.

NLGJA Executive Director Pamela Strother said she was most pleased with Petrow’s focus on the organization’s core mission of educating journalists about fair and accurate coverage of LGBT issues.

As NLGJA approaches its 15th anniversary, Petrow said the organization is ready to move out of its teenage years and “establish a greater recognition and credibility” in the industry, and he is confident Hegedus is the person for the job.

“He is a wise and patient fellow, and I know these attributes will serve him well,” Petrow said.