The Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing (SABEW) is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephanie Klimstra as its new executive director effective September 11, 2023. Stephanie worked most recently for the Investigative Reporters & Editors organization (IRE) for 16 years, where she was director of events for nine years.
Stephanie brings 26 years of nonprofit, private sector and corporate experience to the role, having worked for a variety of organizations. As a result, she mixes strategic vision with an eye for detail, making Stephanie the ideal individual to help SABEW accomplish its mission of pursuing the highest standards of economic journalism without fear or favoritism, and increasing members’ skills and knowledge through continuous education.
“SABEW is excited that Stephanie is joining the organization, and we all look forward to working with her,” said Desiree Hanford, SABEW president and professor at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications. “Her deep experience in nonprofits and working with a diversity of stakeholders will help SABEW members and staff think strategically, realize their vision and generate support for that vision.”
Notably, Stephanie is an innovative, accomplished and detail-oriented leader with experience in complex large-scale events, workshops and training seminars, Hanford said. At IRE, she oversaw all logistical aspects of the organization’s in-person and virtual conferences, which ranged in size from 100 to 2,000 people. In all cases, Stephanie accentuated both the customer and presenter experience and prioritized meaningful experiences that provided people the opportunity to connect with each other and learn about industry trends.
Stephanie has been key in cultivating and fostering partnerships and relationships with colleagues, sponsors, exhibitors and others. In addition, she also has experience in assisting with grant reporting.
“I am thrilled to serve as SABEW’s next executive director as we get ready to celebrate the organization’s 60 years of promoting ethics and excellence in business journalism” Klimstra said. “SABEW is a respected journalism organization with a strong membership base, prestigious awards program and quality education. I look forward to using my nonprofit journalism background to continue to grow the organization and look for new ways to serve its membership.”
Stephanie succeeds Kathleen Graham, who was SABEW’s executive director for nine years and is now the executive director for the Securities and Exchange Commission Historical Society.
