Southeast Emmy Chapter Elects New Leadership Team as Media Industry Navigates Rapid Transformation

Award-winning journalists, media executives, educators, and innovators join the Southeast Chapter of the NATAS Board of Governors, signaling a renewed focus on excellence, digital innovation, and the future of storytelling across the region.

ATLANTA | The Southeast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), the organization responsible for recognizing excellence in television and media through the Emmy® Awards, has announced a new slate of executive officers and governors who will guide the chapter through a period of significant change and innovation in the media landscape.

Effective June 15, 2026, the incoming Board of Governors and Executive Committee will oversee initiatives designed to strengthen journalism, foster professional development, expand educational outreach, and support the next generation of media professionals across the Southeast.

The newly elected leadership team brings together decades of experience from broadcast television, digital media, public broadcasting, content strategy, education, multilingual journalism, and community engagement. Industry observers view the appointments as a reflection of the increasingly diverse and evolving nature of modern media organizations.

At the helm is Tracey Rogers, an eight-time Emmy® Award-winning communications executive and media strategist whose career has spanned journalism, healthcare communications, corporate leadership, and digital innovation. Rogers succeeds outgoing President Evelyn Mims and assumes leadership at a time when local news organizations and content creators continue to adapt to shifting audience habits, emerging technologies, and the growing demand for multiplatform storytelling.

“The strength of our Chapter has always been its people,” Rogers said in a statement. “I am honored to serve alongside this exceptional group of leaders as we continue celebrating excellence in storytelling, expanding educational opportunities, supporting our members, and preparing future generations for successful careers in media.”

Joining Rogers on the Executive Committee are Vice President Alex Sanz, Managing Editor of CBS Atlanta and a veteran newsroom leader with experience at CBS News and Stations, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and The Associated Press; Secretary Sussy Ruiz, Vice President of Weather Affiliates Programming at The Weather Channel and a National Emmy® Award recipient recognized for her work in multilingual media; and Treasurer Donna Lowry, an eight-time Emmy® Award-winning journalist and host of Georgia Public Broadcasting’s “Lawmakers” and “Lawmakers Spotlight.”

The chapter also elected seven new Governors whose collective expertise spans television news, public media, creative services, education, community engagement, and multicultural content development.

Among the newly elected governors is Juan Toro, Senior Director of Multi-Platform Spanish News and Content at Gray Media. Toro's extensive experience with CNN, ESPN, Univision, and Gray Media reflects the growing importance of bilingual and multicultural journalism in an increasingly diverse media environment.

FOX 5 Atlanta anchor Eric Perry, a five-time Emmy® Award winner and one of Atlanta’s most recognizable television journalists, joins the board alongside Susan Falcon, Managing Editor at WSB-TV, whose newsroom leadership spans more than three decades.

Community engagement and audience development will also have a strong voice on the board through David Tallarico, Community Engagement Director at Atlanta News First, whose work has focused on strengthening connections between local media organizations and the communities they serve.

The board’s makeup further reflects the broadening scope of the media industry. Nyssa Green, founder of The Green Room Agency and a multi-Emmy® Award-winning makeup artist and educator, brings expertise from television production and talent development. Veteran educator William “Bill” Phelps contributes decades of experience preparing students for careers in broadcasting and digital media, while Lauren Raposa (Anderson), Executive Producer of Creative Services at Georgia Public Broadcasting, adds a background in audience engagement, branding, and public media strategy.

The leadership transition comes as media organizations nationwide confront unprecedented technological change driven by artificial intelligence, streaming platforms, social media distribution, and evolving audience expectations. Industry groups such as NATAS increasingly play a critical role in supporting professional standards, recognizing excellence, and helping media professionals adapt to emerging trends.

Founded to celebrate achievement in television and media production, the Southeast Chapter of NATAS serves journalists, producers, editors, executives, educators, students, and creative professionals throughout the region. Through the Emmy® Awards, scholarships, mentorship initiatives, and professional development programs, the organization continues to support excellence across both creative and technical disciplines.

The Southeast Chapter also recognized the contributions of outgoing President Evelyn Mims and departing members of the Board of Governors for their service and leadership during a period marked by rapid industry evolution and expanded opportunities for digital storytelling.

Additional information about the Southeast Chapter of NATAS and its programs can be found at southeastemmy.com.

As the media industry continues to evolve, the chapter’s newly elected leadership team is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping conversations around journalism, innovation, diversity, education, and professional excellence throughout the Southeast and beyond.

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-- By James W. Thomas

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