Colson elected exec. secretary of editors’ group

Margaret Dempsey Colson, center, has been named executive secretary of the Association of State Baptist Publications (ASBP). The group is the fellowship of Southern Baptist state newspaper editors. Colson stands between Arkansas Baptist Editor and ASBP President Tim Yarbrough, left, and retiring ASBP Executive Director Bob Terry, right. CALEB YARBROUGH/ABN

Margaret Colson, member of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, was elected executive secretary of the Association of State Baptist Publications (ASBP) June 11. The election was held  at the group’s annual dinner prior to the start of the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Dallas, TX.

ASBP is the fellowship of Southern Baptist state newspaper editors.

Colson also serves as writer/copy editor for the Arkansas Baptist News (ABN) and as executive director of Baptist Communicators Association. The Georgia Baptist also serves as a freelance writer for various publications, including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

BCA is the professional development association of Southern Baptist journalists, photographers, videographers, social media representatives, and web managers, as well as others in the field. Colson succeeds Bob Terry, who retired from the position in March after serving for 25 years. The longtime editor of The Alabama Baptist will also retire from that state paper later this year.

Colson has served as interim executive secretary since Terry’s retirement. An accomplished communications professional, the career journalist has garnered numerous awards of excellence in writing and public relations through decades of membership in BCA.

Tim Yarbrough, editor/executive director of the ABN and current ASBP president, said Colson is an “excellent choice” to serve the historic organization. The ASBP executive secretary is tasked with promoting the organization, maintaining membership records, managing finances and assisting the ASBP president in planning events.

Colson said she was “honored and humbled” in being named ASBP executive secretary. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia and New Orleans Seminary, from which she is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree.

ASBP, founded in 1895, has a long and distinguished history of helping advance the cause of Christ through communications while upholding the highest standards of religious journalism.