AAN President Sally Freeman (Boise Weekly) has appointed Charleston City Paper advertising director Blair Barna as Vice President of the Board of Directors. Barna replaces Amy Austin, who departed Washington City Paper on May 8. Barna was elected Secretary in 2013 and has served on the AAN Board for seven years.

“Since joining the Board in 2008, Blair has been tireless in his service to the association and has been instrumental in developing programs to ensure the future success of AAN and its members,” said Freeman. “His energy and openness to new ideas will benefit us all.”

Miami New Times editor Chuck Strouse will replace Barna as Secretary. Strouse was elected to an At-Large position in 2011 and has since served as Convention Chair and Editorial Chair.

“Under Chuck’s watch the AAN Awards have grown stronger than ever, with a prestigious partner in Georgetown University and cash prizes for the first time ever,” Freeman said of Strouse. “I know he’ll bring that same enthusiasm to his role as Secretary.”