New APSE President Gerry Ahern of USA Today Sports Media Group, left, presents the ceremonial gavel to outgoing President Michael Anastasi of the Salt Lake Tribune. (Photo by Steph Langon/Indiana University)
Before he passed leadership of APSE to new president Gerry Ahern, Michael Anastasi answered a few questions from Newport News (Va.) Daily Press Sports Editor Andi Petrini:
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment of your term?
I don't know if there's one thing I'd point at. I really look at my service as a three-year commitment to national office, and in those three years we accomplished a number of different initiatives, from establishing and growing our relationship with Indiana University, launching our new website, the Hall of Fame, successfully navigating the worst of the recession, modernizing and evolving the contests, our digital presence, the Red Smith Award process, to establishing the Diversity Fellowship and University Outreach programs. Plus I hosted a conference back in Salt Lake City. I'm glad Junior's Tavern
lives on in APSE lore.
Q: As you pass the torch to Gerry, what are you looking forward to from APSE under his leadership?
The growth of student membership and writer membership.
Q: Are there projects you'll continue to foster or initiatives you'd like the organization to pursue?
I will continue to work with Jorge Rojas to lead and run the Diversity Fellowship Program.
Q: What is the best advice you've received in your career?
At the end of the day, what matters most is the people you work with. Value and nurture those relationships. They'll be what you remember and cherish.
Q: What's the best advice you've given a journalist?
Put it on Todd Adams' tab.
