John E. Johnston III has been named the new Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America GriefCom chair, SFWA President Russell Davis has announced.

Johnson takes over for the departing Paul Melko.

"I'm honored to be named to the GriefCom chair and I look forward to serving SFWA in that role," Johnson said. "I'd like to thank Russell Davis for appointing me to the position and Paul Melko for making the transition an easy one."

Johnson has been a member of SFWA for 15 years, five of which he spent on the Grievance Committee as the television and movie grievance officer. He also served as both an officer and a board member of the United States Civil War Center for many years.

"I'm very pleased to have John stepping into this role and I'm confident he'll do an outstanding job," said Davis. "I also want to thank Paul Melko for his continued service to SFWA, both on the Board and for his work with GriefCom."

Johnston is the assistant director of the Louisiana Geological Survey at Louisiana State University, where he has variously taught geology, geography, petroleum engineering and English.

"John's extensive experience on the Grievance Committee guarantees that the committee is in good hands," said Melko. "I wish him and all the members of the committee the greatest success in fighting the good fight."

Posted March 5, 2009