The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) today elected German journalist Helen Hoehne as the Association’s president, leading its expanded Board of Directors.

The vote follows that of the Board and Credentials Committee, which will be responsible for overseeing the ongoing reform plan to restructure the organization along the lines of accountability, ethics, and greater inclusion of the diversity of world journalism. HFPA members voted for the new president directly from among the new Board members.

“It’s a privilege to lead this organization as we continue on the path of fundamental change and reform,” Hoehne said. “Since May, members have shown their commitment to creating a reimagined HFPA. We are excited for the future of our association and look forward to connecting with our colleagues in the industry – both old and new – over these next few months.”

Hoehne, a native of Hamburg, has been a member of the HFPA since 2004. She served on the Board of Directors from 2012 to 2019 and was elected as the Association’s Vice President in September 2020.

Hoehne has written for various publications in Germany, including as U.S. Correspondent for TV Movie magazine, one of Germany’s largest biweekly television and movie magazines through the Bauer Media Group. She is also a regular contributor for German television channels: RTL and ProSieben.

Today’s results also come just one month after HFPA membership approved a new set of bylaws codifying reform measures. One of those measures requires the Board of Directors to include three outside non-members. This new Board will include 15 total directors – 12 active members and three non-members.

All new board and committee members will undergo Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and leadership training for their respective roles in the 2021-2022 cycle. With the new Board, Credentials Committee, and leadership in place, the HFPA will continue its work to employ a new Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Human Resource Officer, and Chief Diversity Officer.

Additionally, the HFPA is committed to growing its membership and accepting new members from diverse backgrounds. The Association continues to welcome applications for new membership and has extended the 2021 deadline to Friday, September 17th, 5 PM PST. The new member application can be found here: https://www.goldenglobes.com/members-0.