Lee Roderick, Washington bureau chief for Scripps League Newspapers, and a member of the Potomac South Ward, Washington D.C. Stake, has been elected president of the National Press Club. Believed to be the first Church member ever to hold the position, Roderick will take office Jan. 15.
A former chairman of the club's Board of Governors, Roderick was elected to the top spot in mid-December.Roderick, who replaces Andre Mollison of Cox Newspapers as president for the one-year term, is a native of Idaho and a former reporter for the Salt Lake Tribune and Associated Press. He has headed Scripps League's Washington bureau for 12 years.
With his wife, Yvonne, he is a ward activities coordinator. He has served as a bishop's counselor and seminary teacher.
The Rodericks have four children.
The 80-year-old National Press Club is a leading forum for world newsmakers, including many U.S. presidents and other heads of state who have spoken from its rostrum. The club has 4,400 members, including 2,100 working journalists, more than any other press club in the United States.
Roderick's duties during the next year will include hosting and moderating the appearances of newsmakers at the club's famous luncheons, which are carried by National Public Radio and C-Span, the national cable television network.