Meet a Member: Jane Newton Henry

At the NFPW conference this year in Alaska, Jane Newton Henry was taking notes and gathering ideas as she prepares to be the co-chairman of the 2017 NFPW conference in Alabama. This long-time member is a devoted member of the Alabama affiliate and is looking forward to showing off her home state in 2017. Jane and her co-chair, Elaine Hobson Miller, are hard at work to highlight the area’s hospitality and charm. Jane is a dedicated and devoted member of NFPW. Meet this hard working, unique and unbelievable NFPW member I am pleased to call a friend.

Jane Newton Henry

Name: Jane Newton Henry

City and State: Leeds, Alabama

Affiliate and any leadership positions:

I have held a variety of leadership positions in Alabama Media Professionals (AMP), including serving as president from 1982 to 1986. I was named AMP’s Communicator of Achievement in 1993. I currently serve as co-chairman for the 2017 NFPW Conference in Birmingham, Ala.

Years a member of NFPW: 34

Tell us a little about you.

I worked in corporate public relations at Alabama Power Co. in Birmingham for 24 years as a writer and editor and later as manager of internal communications and video production. After I retired 10 years ago, I worked as an adjunct instructor at the University of Alabama and at Samford University. I now work as a freelance writer. I am a regular contributor to the magazine “Discover (the Essence of St. Clair County)”. I collaborated with Pat Hall, the Leeds, Ala., city historian, to write ”Leeds,” an Arcadia Press book about the history of Leeds. The book was published in 2012.

In addition to freelancing, I write the blog “MS with a Southern accent” to help educate the public about multiple sclerosis, a medical condition of which we know neither the cause nor cure. After being diagnosed with MS in 1998, I have volunteered with the Alabama chapter of the National MS Society; I raise money to provide services to others with MS and fund research to find a cure. My other interests include belonging to a book club, and volunteering in my community.

Any career advice you would give?

Learn how to write well and fast. Choose a career path that you love. Work hard, but balance work with your home life. Give back to your community.

Jane Newton Henry, left, with Marianne Wolf-Astrauskas at the NFPW conference in Alaska.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would like to be able to make pottery on a pottery wheel.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

The Pacific Northwest.

What book are you reading?

“A God in Ruins” by Kate Atkinson

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

My undergraduate degree is in music (piano).

Why is your affiliate and NFPW important to you?

I appreciate the friends I have made and the support I receive from others in the state affiliate and national organizations. The professional-development opportunities have been helpful in honing my skills and keeping up with changes in the industry. And I have enjoyed the travel associated with NFPW conferences.

Way to follow you on a website, twitter, Facebook, etc.

My blog: https://janenhenry.wordpress.com

My website: http://www.janenewtonhenry.com

My Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JaneNewtonHenry

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Tags: AGENDA, Alabama, Alabama Media Women, Jane Newton Henry, NFPW

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