Fitzhugh Elected President of NSMA Board
Everett Fitzhugh has been elected president of the National Sports Media Association’s board of directors. The unanimous vote was taken at the NSMA’s April board meeting, and announced during the 66th NSMA Awards Banquet on June 29.
Fitzhugh, who has served on the NSMA’s board of directors since October of 2024, is in his sixth season as radio play-by-play announcer for the Seattle Kraken on Sports Radio 93.3 KJR-FM, and across the Kraken Audio Network, and his seventh season overall with the club. He also broadcasts select television games on the Kraken Hockey Network. Upon his hiring, Fitzhugh became the first full-time Black play-by-play announcer in NHL history.
“I am honored to be here and to be stepping into the big shoes of Wes Durham,” Fitzhugh said. “We are excited to drive headfirst and continue to take on the new trends that are in the sports media landscape.”
Fitzhugh succeeds outgoing board president Wes Durham, who had served as president since 2023 and on various NSMA boards since 2000.
NSMA executive director Dave Goren said, “I have known Everett for more than two years, and during that time, I have seen his passion for his job and for our industry. That will serve him well as the NSMA pushes forward and adapts in the ever-changing media landscape.”
In addition to his play-by-play duties, the Detroit native is responsible for various promotional and community events and appearances and is widely featured in content across all Kraken media platforms.
Previously, Fitzhugh was named the 2023 NSMA Washington State Sportscaster of the Year and has won a Northwest Regional Emmy Award.
Prior to his time in Seattle, Fitzhugh spent five seasons in the ECHL with the Cincinnati Cyclones, where he served as the team's director of public relations and broadcasting. In 2017, he received the ECHL's Award of Excellence in Public Relations. He has also worked for the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League (USHL), and in the USHL League office.
Fitzhugh, 37, graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2011 and was the school's hockey play-by-play announcer from 2009-12. He resides in Seattle, with his wife and son.
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