Their nominations were approved at the Society’s annual general meeting during the conference in Southampton at the weekend.
As Digital Innovations Editor, Alison Gow is in charge of developing digital strategies to engage audiences across Trinity Mirror’s regional newspapers. She has been a regional news journalist for more than 20 years, and is a former editor of the Daily Post and Wales On Sunday.
She will replace Neil Benson, editorial director of Trinity Mirror Regionals who is stepping down from the board. He is a former President of the Society and has been a director since 2003.
Yates became the first female editor of the Teesside daily title, the Hartlepool Mail in 2006, she has also edited its sister paper the Shields Gazette since 2013.
She was promoted to Group Editor this year and now also oversees the Sunderland Echo and Star series. She is a former chair of the Society of Editors Northern Region and is a member of the NCTJ accreditation board.
The AGM also saw the election of Moira Sleight, editor of the Methodist Recorder as treasurer of the Society replacing former Managing Editor of the Daily Telegraph, Sue Ryan.
Simon Bucks, Associate Editor of Sky News was confirmed as chairman of the Society’s parliamentary and legal committee replacing Robin Esser, Executive Managing Editor of the Daily Mail and Donald Martin, editor-in-chief of DC Thompson Newspapers replaces Bucks as chairman of the training committee.
Bob Satchwell, Executive Director of the Society said: “Joy and Alison will be valuable additions to the board bringing new insights into editorial challenges. Alison's nomination reflected the Society's need to remain at the forefront of editorial developments particularly in digital news platforms.
“Neil has been a terrific servant of the SoE and therefore the industry. While he has stepped down from the board we will ensure he remains active in the Society so we will not lose the benefits of his wide experience in such an important media operation.
"Our new Treasurer Moira Sleight not only edits but owns her own paper so our finances will be closely supervised and safe. Simon Bucks has a wealth of experience in Parliamentary and Legal affairs. He is the media side chair of the Defence Press and Broadcasting Advisory Committee and one of the movers and shakers in the campaign to televise the courts. Donald Martin is a key player on the NCTJ board and committees with a wealth of experience as the editor of several newspapers.
“Training will be a key focus of the SoE in the future, especially recognising the need for journalists and editors to maintain and develop their skills throughout their careers."
