Thanks to all for the support ... and if you haven't already seen, I won the election! Happy and more than a bit humbled by the trust of so many members.

Speaking for 2012 president Jonathon Berlin (JonathonBerlin) and veep Rob Schneider (rob_schneider), we're looking forward to hearing your thoughts on how SND can best serve you and the membership at large. It's going to be a fantastic year!

Simply add your endorsement as a comment below. Please, keep it appropriately short ... Kord wouldn't have it any other way.

Bill Gugliotta, Plain Dealer director of photography
Tue, 16 Aug 2011 9:18:58 pm

David will be a great secretary/treasurer for SND. He cares about story telling and he cares about newspapers. He has more energy and enthusiasm than anyone I know and he will bring those qualities to this position. SND couldn't ask for a better officer than David.

Andrea Levy, Plain Dealer photographer/illustrator
Wed, 17 Aug 2011 1:50:43 pm

I have had the pleasure of working with David for over ten years. He's a smart and incredibly conscientious talent. So let me tell you from my personal experience, I'm certain he would do just a fantastic job for SND.

Susan Mango Curtis, SND past president
Wed, 17 Aug 2011 3:50:50 pm

I can't think of a better person to serve as SND secretary/treasurer other than Dave Kordalski. An incredible individual, that’s focus on all aspects of design, winning numerous awards for The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Dave isn’t just any visual journalist; he would bring a wealth of experience as a SND volunteer that has repeatedly served on board committees.
Please join me in voting for a strong candidate with a delightful personality.

Terence Oliver, UNC-Chapel Hill faculty
Wed, 17 Aug 2011 6:12:33 pm

David is great choice for the leadership of SND. Over the years, he’s not only dedicated so much to the profession with his great talent and relentless passion, but he’s also done a great deal to help students (many who are now in industry). He really makes a big difference! As a professor, I’ve witnessed David’s broad reach and great impact on the lives of others.

Julie Elman, faculty at School of Visual Communication, Ohio University, Athens
Wed, 17 Aug 2011 9:22:37 pm

I wholeheartedly support David Kordalski to serve as secretary/treasurer for SND. I have always been amazed by the energy and smarts he brings to all facets of visual storytelling. I think he's one of the top leaders in the industry, and I believe he would be a huge asset to the SND organization.

Patty Cox, Managing Editor/Presentation, St. Pete Times & tampabay.com
Wed, 17 Aug 2011 9:35:09 pm

Leadership. Professionalism. Vision. David sets the standards and challenges us all to meet them. Plus, he's just an all-around great guy. He would be a terrific leader for SND.

Stacy Sweat, Former AME Design/Graphics Chicago Tribune
Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:07:23 am

I keep asking myself, wasn't David K. in leadership at SND during my 20+ years with the organization? And the answer is, unofficially, yes, but officially, no. David is as passionate about visual journalism as anyone I know and has the leadership qualities SND needs to take the organization to new heights. He inspires us all to think differently and he has the vision that can help reshape visual journalism in the future. I highly recommend David as SND Secretary/Treasurer.

Nick Mrozowski
Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:30:00 am

David is one of the good guys. His work with the team at the Plain Dealer is inspiring. And he's just a really nice guy! I first met David when I was a student at Michigan State. He was one of those patient, brilliant and gracious professionals who always took the time to look at student work with genuine interest. He'd be a great addition to the SND leadership.

Stephen J. Beard
Thu, 18 Aug 2011 1:07:25 pm

David's passion for both the business and creative ends of newspaper production is unrivaled. His enthusiasm is contagious, and he will bring every ounce of that energy to SND's office of secretary/treasurer.

Dale Peskin
Thu, 18 Aug 2011 1:46:30 pm

Should I -- anyone? -- endorse David Kordalski for the SND leadership thing? Well, yah. It's like a no-brainer. Not that David doesn't have a big one (brain, that is). David has been a leader from the moment he stepped into a newsroom. He's been making news organizations better and advancing design ever since. He's worked passionately and tirelessly for SND for a very long time. He'd probably be president if it wasn't for the Tea Party. Hell, I'll even rejoin SND if you elect David.

Laura Stanton, The Washington Post
Thu, 18 Aug 2011 3:24:14 pm

He is that rare combination of monster talent and generous spirit, spending his career making sure OTHERS have what they need to shine. So many of us in this business have benefited from Kordalski's keen eye, boundless energy, sharp wit and sage advice. Once his intern, I am forever grateful for all he taught me. Not just about how to be a designer. But how to be a collaborator. We are in a shared mission. He has given so much to SND through the years. And now he steps up to give more. He's one of the greats.

Richard Epps
Thu, 18 Aug 2011 4:51:02 pm

David is a tremendous talent in so many ways. David's unwavering belief in SND as a driving force in our design community makes him an ideal candidate for such an important position. I caught a huge break when I landed David as one of my design editors at The Detroit News, so I know first-hand what an inspiration he is as a visual editor. SND would be awfully lucky to get a rock star like David in this position.

Tracy Collins
Thu, 18 Aug 2011 5:50:30 pm

David is a builder, whether in previous leadership roles in SND or in building a world class visual staff in Cleveland. He has a track record of tireless pursuit of excellence, which is vital for SND's future. To quote the opening to a famous album from a famous artist from one of David's old stomping grounds: "You are here because you want the real thing! Let's bring on David Kordalski NOW!"

Tony Majeri
Thu, 18 Aug 2011 9:10:32 pm

I thought David has always been one of the forces in SND. This election victory will make it official. He is a gifted designer and has a newspaperman's soul. His visual journalism pedigree is untouchable.

Jeff Goertzen
Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:49:18 pm

Finally some mature, quality leadership is coming up into the ranks of SND! For the time I've known David, he's proven to be a man of integrity both as a professional and as a friend. He's not afraid to stand up for what's right and that's what SND needs.

Denny Brack
Fri, 19 Aug 2011 1:08:55 am

As everyone has said above so much more eloquently, David is a true giant of our profession -- and an amazingly talented, skilled and caring person. SND has benefited tremendously from his efforts over the years. Having him as an officer would be a tremendous boon.

Gordon Preece
Fri, 19 Aug 2011 11:16:44 am

Honesty, integrity, experience, dedication, enthusiasm, passion, knowledge, creative ... all descriptions of David that immediately come to mind. I enthusiastically support his return to the Board. SND needs what David has to offer.

Santiago C. Ayulo
Mon, 22 Aug 2011 2:59:58 am

On a personal note, I met David a few years back while he toured the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. At first I was intimidated to approach and speak with a 'big wig' in the our industry. I worked up the courage and he graciously gave me more than enough time during his short visit. No matter how busy he was, David had time to spare.
He is the type of passionate and dedicated leader to maintain and improve SND's role in our visual community.

Deborah Withey
Mon, 22 Aug 2011 5:29:53 am

I have really enjoyed reading the comments which sum up David perfectly
. . . so to add to the summary:

Talent and vision, passion and compassion, you can't ask for better leadership qualities.

Gayle Grin
Tue, 23 Aug 2011 4:54:09 pm

David is such an authentic, very genuine sprit who will passionately lead SND with diligence, compassion and vision. He always manages to bring out the best in all of us!

Wow, the past many years while in leadership for SND, did I ever appreciate David.  He was someone I could trust: a person of integrity.

And would it ever be good for all of us in SND to learn from David as he potentially guides our organization.

All this year's nominations for SND treasurer/secretary were amazing and so very worthy. But I endorse David. He is smart in every way!

Chris Kozlowski
Sat, 27 Aug 2011 9:05:17 am

David is one of the most talented and creative visual journalists with whom I've ever worked. His creativity is exceeded only by his passion for completing every task to the highest degree of excellence, and I know he would bring that same passion to his role as SND secretary/treasurer. He has my vote and he should have your vote, too!

Douglas E. Jessmer
Sat, 27 Aug 2011 10:35:29 pm

If I couldn't work where I am right now (and I love my newspaper), there's only one other place I'd want to be, and that's working for David Kordalski at The Plain Dealer. There's nothing I can say that hasn't already been said by everyone above, other than that I have the highest respect for his journalism and heartily support his SND candidacy. And, like Dale Peskin, I just might rejoin.

Satoshi Toyoshima
Mon, 29 Aug 2011 10:44:56 am

I've known David for 15+ years and he's been a great mentor as well as a good friend. He is a very dedicated and enthusiastic visual journalist and his passion for visual story telling always inspires me.

I firmly believe that he would bring same passion to his role as SND secretary/treasurer.

J. Damon Cain
Tue, 30 Aug 2011 8:20:13 pm

For awhile, I tried recruiting some of the incredible Plain Dealer talent away from David. It never worked. Those folks loved -- absolutely loved -- working for him and for a paper that, among a handful of others, has defined the very best in newspaper design in the U.S. over the past decade. It's clear to anyone who studies this stuff that Plain Dealer visual journalists create magic on a fairly regular basis. I assign a major chunk of credit to David and the creative culture that he has fostered there. I know he can and would bring that ability with him to the leadership ranks at SND. And that, as Martha would say, is a good thing.

Christine McNeal, Past President/SND
Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:02:29 pm

So many have said it all so well. David is one of the most authentic, talented, and creative individuals I worked with during my years in SND. He cares a great deal about the organization and it's future. And he has all of the smarts and grit needed to lead SND in difficult times. You can't convince others that SND still makes a difference unless you truly believe it yourself. That alone might make David the best candidate for secretary/treasurer.

Martin Gee
Fri, 02 Sep 2011 4:54:23 pm

We all have that list of people we wish we could work with someday… David is on my list. SND and our profession would benefit tremendously with David's leadership. He has my support and vote.

Tonia Cowan
Mon, 05 Sep 2011 3:09:41 pm

David's dedication to the craft, and to SND, make him a great candidate. The fact that he also has so much energy and enthusiasm makes it a slam dunk.
I think we're lucky David is running and he has definitely got my vote.