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Managing editor Robin Russell named Communicator of the Year Mary Jacobs, Oct 23, 2009
Robin Russell
By Mary Jacobs Staff Writer
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—The United Methodist Association of Communicators (UMAC) has named Robin Russell, Managing Editor of the United Methodist Reporter, as its 2009 Communicator of the Year.
The award was announced at a gala on Thursday, Oct. 22, as part of UMAC’s annual gathering, held in Nashville this year.
In selecting her for the award, UMAC cited Ms. Russell’s “expertise in interpreting United Methodism to the world,” according to Victoria Rebeck, vice president of UMAC and director of communications for the Minnesota Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Ms. Russell was nominated for the award by Shari Goodwin, chair of the board of directors of UMR Communications, the Reporter’s parent company.
“Robin’s thorough and balanced coverage of major events and issues relevant to the United Methodist Church has brought United Methodists around the country into greater understanding and honest dialogue with each other,” said Ms. Goodwin, who is also director of communications at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church in Tulsa, Okla.
“Robin represents the excellence, professionalism and humility to which all church communicators should aspire,” said Ms. Goodwin.
Before Ms. Russell became editor of the United Methodist Reporter in September 2005, she covered religion as a staff writer for the Longview (Texas) News-Journal and as a freelance writer for The Dallas Morning News. Her work has been recognized with writing awards from the Religion Newswriters Association, the Texas Headliners Foundation and the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors. Since coming to the Reporter, she has also earned national recognition from the Associated Church Press, the Religion Communicators Council and the United Methodist Association of Communicators.
“Robin has been instrumental in providing current, meaningful, and insightful communications to our family of readers,” said Robert Mathews, chief executive officer of UMR Communications Inc. “This honor is not only in recognition of her tireless contributions, but also her integrity and love for her readers and staff.”
“Robin clearly sees herself as part of a fellowship of United Methodist journalists, always making herself available to assist other journalists,” said Ms. Rebeck. “She is compassionate and fair, a true model for all of us.”
UMR Communications is the parent company of the award-winning United Methodist Reporter newspaper, and has helped churches, church agencies and other mission institutions communicate their stories of ministry and service for more than 160 years.
Robin Russell
