The Society of Environmental Journalists has hired Melisa Klem as its new executive director, effective January 3, 2017. Klem has spent more than 13 years working in development for conservation and human health nonprofits, and raising millions of dollars. The SEJ Board of Directors selected Klem to serve as the group's second leader, replacing founding executive director Beth Parke who last summer announced her plans to step aside after nearly 24 years of leadership. Klem previously served as the development director at the Seafood Nutrition Partnership, the national director of development at the Izaak Walton League of America, and senior director of development at the Potomac Conservancy.