APSE Maintains Upward Trajectory During Barrett’s Tenure

Paul Barrett assumed the presidency of the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) organization with direct goals in mind: invest in the organization’s future, strengthen its position, and sustain the momentum of recent growth. With the conclusion of his tenure, the question becomes how closely these goals were upheld. 

Barrett’s challenge was to make a good situation better. When he took office in June 2025, the organization was in the best financial shape in recent history. According to the 2025 Summer Conference meeting minutes, the group boasted $78,000 in checking account funds, exceeded projected income by $5,000, and expenses were $602 under budget. Membership also rose from 209 total paid members in 2024 to 334 and from 157 primary members to 188. That momentum extended into student engagement as well, with Hampton University applying to become APSE’s next established student chapter. 

“That’s the future of our organization,” said Barrett, who began his career as a full-time high school reporter as a student at Washington State University. “We want to get as many student chapters involved as possible… we’ve had some success there and that remains a really important initiative for us.” 

Several initiatives aligned with Barrett’s priorities were already in motion under departing president Dan Spears. To fuel outreach, APSE set a standard to recruit at least one school a year for student chapters, established a diversity committee, and held meetings across four different regions for the first time since the COVID pandemic.

On many fronts, the 2025-26 year maintained and advanced momentum under Barrett’s guidance. According to the 2026 Opening Winter Conference meeting minutes, the organization remained about $5,000 “ahead of budget”. In addition, $17,000 in confirmed sponsorships were raised for the 2026 Summer Conference, the most ever raised by the opening meeting at the winter judging mark.

“I’ve viewed my number one duty as supporting the other officers,” said Barrett. “When I moved into this role [my pledge] was to do whatever I could do to support the organization and put it in the best position possible.” 

Engagement continued to grow with student chapters established at Hampton, Rowan, and Stony Brook University. Additionally, 200 news organizations entered the 2026 APSE contest, which is 22 more than last year. It’s an improvement noted by former leaders like 2003-04 APSE president Bill Eichenberger, who said, “I don’t think the contest has ever been more prestigious than it is right now.” 

Conversely, progress didn’t reach all aspects. Diversification efforts remained stagnant past the addition of Hampton students, and discussion regarding the diversity committee was limited. Members also hoped for stronger participation in the Billie Jean King writing contest, which honors leadership in diversity and inclusion.

Barrett’s year at the helm extended APSE’s recent progress, even as some priorities remained untouched. With stronger student involvement, record sponsorships, and financial stability, the organization enters its next phase with momentum and clear opportunities for next steps.