NPC Elections
Alisa Parenti - Candidate for Treasurer
Candidate Statement
Over the last year, your National Press Club has been hard at work on the critical issues journalists face – personal safety, press freedom and professional development. As Secretary to the NPC Board of Governors, I have supported these efforts and have worked to increase awareness and engagement among members.
I am honored to be a part of this community of journalists and communicators, and I strongly support our work to ensure safe, intelligent storytelling in the months and years to come.
An original student NPC member from the late ‘80s, I am currently running for Treasurer. In that position, I hope to continue to boost transparency and communication between elected leaders of the Club and general members. I also seek to enhance outreach and engagement by growing awareness of the Club’s many worthwhile initiatives, goals and objectives.
My 30-year career has included work in television news at local ABC affiliates in New York and Washington. I’ve been fortunate to anchor radio reports focused on markets and financial news for Dow Jones and Bloomberg. I currently serve as a Breaking News Editor at Bloomberg’s Speed Desk. During the pandemic, I fulfilled a lifelong dream when my historical fiction novel was published. Earlier in my career, I worked in public relations and public affairs.
This diverse background, I believe, positions me to have a greater understanding of members’ expectations, needs and concerns, and leads me to ask for your vote as Treasurer.
Thank you for your consideration!
Candidate Bio
Alisa Parenti is an award-winning journalist, reporter, anchor and storyteller. She's worked in Washington for the last 22 years at WJLA-TV, MarketWatch/Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg News. Prior to that, Parenti was a reporter and anchor at Newschannel 9 in Syracuse, New York. In addition to her work in journalism, Parenti has served as an adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University teaching multimedia journalism and news writing. In April 2021, Parenti's first book was published. BETRAYAL: The Ethel Rosenberg Story reveals the under-reported perspective of the only woman executed by the U.S. government on espionage-related charges, in 1953. Parenti earned a master's degree from Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism, where she previously served as Director of the Medill Mentorship Program, linking current student journalists with working alumni. She and her husband Jim are the parents of two young women and a rescue dog named 'Lily.'
Mark Walker - Candidate for Three-Year Journalist Board Seat
Candidate Statement
I’m running to join the National Press Club board because I believe this organization is critical to continuing to help journalists across the world confront the crises that we encounter every day, and my firsthand experience makes me uniquely suited to support this mission..
Newsrooms across the world are battling oppressive governments and are losing resources at an alarming rate, making it harder for reporters to push past the hurdles that stand between them and stories that hold powerful people accountable. For the reporters on frontlines facing these challenges every day, the National Press Club is an invaluable resource.
I believe that my professional experience, including the decade I’ve worked as a journalist and my years of leadership on the board of directors for Investigative Reporters and Editors, makes me an ideal candidate to serve on this board. I have a vision for how the National Press Club can continue being an essential beacon for all journalists. I would love the opportunity to help the Club become a more welcoming organization for journalists of all backgrounds and better reflect the makeup of our industry.
Candidate Bio
Mark Walker is an investigative reporter in the Washington bureau of The New York Times. He was part of a team that won a Pulitzer Prize for its coverage of Covid-19 in 2020.
Mr. Walker joined The Times in 2019 as the Freedom of Information Act coordinator for the Washington bureau.
Before joining The Times, Mark was an investigative reporter at The Argus Leader in South Dakota and a former training director for Investigative Reporters and Editors.
He was previously the president of the board of directors for Investigative Reporters and Editors and now serves as its chairman.
Debra Silimeo - Candidate for Three Year Journalist Board Seat
Candidate Statement
It would be my honor to serve you on the NPC Board, as a Communicator member representative, and I hope that you will support me for these reasons:
I know and appreciate how much we, as communicators, bring to the Club, and we deserve a strong role on the board. I have had the privilege of representing you for the past three years, and I see real progress, both in terms of the recognition of our value, and the teamwork that has helped the Club as we climb out of the pandemic hole and face enormous challenges in press freedom and the information ecosystem. My work at NPC is always informed by my roots as a journalist, where I began my professional career, and my “second act” promoting social good as a communicator.
I’ve demonstrated the ability to help the Club recover financially and work collaboratively to move us forward. I had a leadership role in a financial transaction that brought in about $750,000 to the club, when we really needed it. The board has been vigilant in managing Club finances, and we were able to pay off our pandemic debt. Now, we can look forward.
Looking forward has a lot of opportunities and challenges. I know what it’s like to manage for growth in a changing environment. My career is a series of “challenges met,” in terms of helping organizations face obstacles and grow. We are at a crossroads in the media business and public relations, navigating AI, virtual reality, the astounding spread of disinformation, the movement from legacy media to content creators. I welcome your expertise and ideas about how we navigate here. It takes teamwork, and we need a lot of diverse voices at the table – it’s the right thing to do and it’s good business.
I’ve been an active, engaged NPC member for two decades. I’ve served/serve on the Newsmakers, Speakers, Headliners, Communicators, and Broadcast/Podcast Teams. The Communicator Team has been extraordinary in leading professional development opportunities and critical conversations on issues facing our industry and our nation. All of this gives me a good understanding of the many ‘moving parts’ that have to work together to make NPC – and all of us - successful.
As a former journalist, a citizen and human being, I feel strongly about press freedom issues, fighting the disinformation that plagues our society, and protecting the First Amendment.
Fostering community, diversity, inclusion, and empowerment among our members will always be a priority, and I will work with other board members, our talented staff, and Club members to keep NPC the place where news happens, and where we realize the potential and diversity of our journalist and communicator community.
I appreciate and thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Debra Silimeo
Candidate Bio
Debra Silimeo is a communications strategist with a mission: to help people live better lives, in a better world. She founded the Silimeo Group, after nearly two decades in an executive role at Hager Sharp, a leading DC PR firm, and significant roles in public policy advocacy on Capitol Hill and the Clinton Administration. As EVP of Hager Sharp, Debra designed and managed large-scale national communications efforts working with policymakers and thought leaders; served as a brand ambassador; played a major role in the firm’s growth, more than tripling revenues; and help guide the firm’s transition to an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) business model, where the entire team has a financial stake - and a say - in the firm’s success.
Debra brings a reporter’s eye for news to her work. Before joining the world of issue advocacy, she was an award-winning journalist in Washington DC newsrooms, including the AP, WAMU, WTOP and NBC4. As Deputy Director of the Senate Leadership’s Policy Committee, she managed communications on economic and social justice issues including legislation to increase in the minimum wage, ensure pay equity for women, and maintain a safety net for people who lost jobs during a prolonged recession. She led communications at two Cabinet-level agencies: the US Commerce Department during the 2000 Census, and the US Small Business Administration, where she led a re-brand of the agency and aggressive outreach that resulted in record levels of assistance to small, women- and minority-owned businesses.
She was one of the first two broadcast reporters to earn a Knight Bagehot Fellowship at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism —the country’s leading fellowship for business and economics journalism. She’s been recognized by Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) as PR Woman of the Year, by the Washington Business Journal as a “Woman Who Means Business,” and inducted in the Public Relations Society of America’s National Capital Hall of Fame in 2015 and the PR News Hall of Fame in 2016. She is a member of the National Press Club Board of Governors; the Forum One Board of Directors; the co-chair of the Girl Scouts’ National Capital Women’s Advisory Board; and has served on the board of Leadership Greater Washington and on the WWPR Advisory Council.
Emily Wilkins - Candidate for President
Candidate Statement
Fellow Press Club Members -
My name is Emily Wilkins, I'm a D.C. Correspondent for CNBC, and I am running to be President of the National Press Club for 2024. I hope to get your support and your vote.
I've had the opportunity to serve the Club on the board for the last five years, and currently serve as Vice President. My experience has shown me where the Club excels, and where we can improve.
One of the areas I will focus on is building and supporting the Club's community. It's important for all members to feel included and understand the many benefits that come with their membership. We have made progress recently with the Membership Enrichment Team and I hope to strengthen and expand these efforts.
The Club also has the potential to be a hub for the wider D.C. journalism community. We should tap into opportunities to work with other groups of reporters, editors and communicators - collaborating when it makes sense and relying on a strong network to further our press freedom efforts.
We also must ensure everyone feels welcome and comfortable at the Club. We have come a long way in making the Club more inclusive, but there is always more work to be done.
The Club has become a key player in the press freedom space, leading the push to free Austin Tice and Evan Gershkovich, and being a powerful voice for reporters across the globe facing harassment, oppression and imprisonment.
The Club is also poised to be a leader in helping exiled reporters - giving them resources, assistance and most importantly, a community. If elected, I will help efforts to strengthen and solidify the Club's position as a leader in both these areas.
Thank you for your time and consideration. The Club has become a home to me, and I would be honored to have the opportunity to lead it.
Elvina Nawaguna - Candidate for Three-Year Journalist Board Seat
Candidate Bio
Elvina Nawaguna is a special projects editor at Punchbowl News. She oversees several editorial initiatives including Punchbowl's quarterly financial services newsletter, its monthly polling, newsmaker events and more. She previously served as deputy bureau chief for Business Insider’s D.C. bureau where she played a key role in shaping and leading Insider’s coverage of politics, Congress and other Washington institutions.
Elvina has also worked as a senior energy and environment writer at CQ Roll Call, covered the economy at Market News International and Reuters, and business news in Central Florida, Arizona and Uganda. She’s won awards for her reporting on business and consumer issues.
Elvina has taught journalism and writing classes at American University in DC and Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. She holds a bachelor's degree from Makerere University and a master's in journalism from Arizona State University.
She lives in DC with her husband and two young sons.
Mike Balsamo - Candidate for Vice President
Candidate Statement
There has never been a more important time to be a journalist in the United States. With democracy, truth and press freedom under attack, the National Press Club’s mission is as critical as it will ever be.
I would be honored to have your support as I seek election as Vice President of the National Press Club. I have a deep passion for the Club’s mission, its importance to journalism and the club’s strategic goals supporting reporters and communicators. The Club is also as an institution committed to fighting for freedom of the press and upholding a pillar of democracy, a position we only need to strengthen going forward.
I want to make this historic and vital organization even stronger.
As the national law enforcement editor at The Associates Press, I lead a team of reporters across the U.S. covering a wide variety of criminal justice and policing topics and know firsthand the challenges reporters face inside and outside the newsroom.
I am deeply committed to the Press Club’s continued advocacy for transparency and accountability in government and the protection for journalists around the world. I am also proud to have served on the Club’s Board of Governors and as the Club’s Treasurer, Secretary and Membership Secretary, working as part of a leadership team committed to tackling issues throughout the pandemic and building the Club’s membership as we come back to full speed. As Treasurer, the team worked to bring the Club back to a solid financial footing as we emerge from the pandemic, but there’s still work to be done to ensure our long-term stability.
I’m proud to have been part of the team that has worked hard to ensure this institution would persevere. The Club’s leaders and staff have smartly navigated the financial challenges of the pandemic and we’re starting to see a bright light, achieving a substantial profit last year and increasing the number of events and in-person members programs at the Club.
If elected, I am committed to doing everything I can to keep up that growth as we work to recruit new and diverse members and maintain the Club’s healthy financial outlook as we plan for the future.
I firmly believe the Press Club must continue to prioritize diversity, working to elevate diverse voices and recruiting diverse members. And I believe we must help journalists better cope with the impact of covering trauma, from the pandemic to disasters to the daily attacks on our profession.
In addition to my service on the Club’s Board and leadership team, I have had the pleasure of being part of the team judging the Club’s scholarships for the last four years, working to help bring attention to a new generation of journalists, and to have served as a judge for the Club’s annual awards program.
The Press Club has a long history of supporting the next generation of journalists and communicators and I believe we must continue to find ways to help student journalists and young members.
This is a critical time for our industry and the world needs journalists now more than ever, especially given the growing distrust of media and technology and as the industry is facing one of its most challenging times. It is why we must be committed to focusing on news literacy for the public and helping news consumers judge the reliability and relevance of the news they consume.
I have a deep appreciation for the Club’s rich history and its members, and I would be honored to serve as your Vice President.
Candidate Bio
Mike Balsamo is the national law enforcement editor for The Associated Press, overseeing a team of journalists covering criminal justice and policing in America.
He has helped lead the coverage of dozens of major news events, from mass shootings to the government’s resumption of federal executions of a nearly 20-year hiatus. He covered the Justice Department and attorney general in the Trump administration, including the special counsel’s Russia investigation. He’s led a groundbreaking, multiyear investigation into the federal prison system that led to the resignation of the agency’s director, congressional investigations, and legislation to improve oversight of the agency.
Balsamo broke scores of stories while covering the day-to-day workings of the Justice Department, including an exclusive interview with then-Attorney General William Barr declaring the Justice Department had uncovered no evidence of widespread voter fraud that could change the outcome of the 2020 election.
He is a two-time winner of the White House Correspondents’ Association Award for Deadline Reporting, was a finalist for the Goldsmith Prize for Investigative Reporting and has served on the National Press Club’s board for the last four years.
Before moving to Washington, Balsamo covered law enforcement for the AP in Los Angeles and worked in the news cooperative’s New Yok City bureau. He grew up on Long Island.
Glenn Marcus - Candidate for Three Year Journalist Board Seat
Candidate Statement
I appreciate the opportunity to list the wide breadth of experiences informing my candidacy, and then some issues to be addressed
CANDIDACY: The NPC has been an important part of my career for decades, first as a frequent guest, and then as member since 2009. As a freelancer since leaving PBS in 2001, the club served as a critical home base for networking and friendship while plying my writing work, plus researching during two separate Knight Journalism Fellowships, and writing 3 PBS national primetime documentaries. I have endeavored to give back by serving on three Club Committees– Press Freedom, plus the Broadcast and Podcast, and International Correspondents, and have received Vivian Awards for that voluntary work. Have been an active judge for club awards and scholarships, sat on the dais at Luncheons, and met and heard amazing speakers during scores of events, including at our legendary American Legion Post. Worked on campaigns for the release of Austin Tice and was a night reader on the club’s remarkable “24 Hour Rezaian.” Have happily promoted the NPC around town, and recruited and sponsored a number of new members, ranging from two Pulitzer Prize winners to a journalism student I mentored. Thus, my broad familiarity of the Club’s activities, actions on its behalf, and many friends, have prepared me well for giving back at the higher level, on the Board of Governors. My last international event was the 2014 Umbrella Revolution in Hong Kong, and final active coverage was the 2016 Republican Convention in Cleveland. Though still writing, I am essentially retired and can devote full time to NPC activities. And by now, I am not wedded to “go along to get along,” and can stir the pot as appropriate.
ISSUES: The Club has weathered the storms of continuing journalistic change plus the pandemic with some aplomb. However, its healthy long-term survival post-pandemic will depend in good measure on keeping it relevant to the younger cohort of members as well as retaining longer term members. While the communicators category has buoyed the Club and added revenue from corporate and business interests, our predominate journalistic cohort could benefit by bringing in controversial and cutting-edge speakers to keep our constituency excited. Headliners and other groups have continued to bring in important guests, and the Journalism Institute has done an outstanding job, especially with training matters, but a return to some of the old “forum” events might inject additional excitement. For example, Club member Joe Luria, a leader in controversial “Russiagate” coverage, could be featured in an event analyzing such debacles for our profession. The Assange issue could be addressed, as it has been by numerous other press freedom entities. The Matt Taibbis and Krystal Balls and Ross Douthats of this world would surely attract interest. I am certain there are a plethora of other member ideas to increase participation. And then - should there be more active recruiting? How can the Broadcast Center grow business? How much financial reserve do we need? And then there are detail matters – restoration of some computers on the top floor? Return to the free continental breakfasts? Access to the new first floor health club? Why is the largest TV in Reliable Source often tuned to Fox News? Indeed, I will be happy to bring up anything large or small on your behalf, including leadership transparency. Thank you.
Candidate Bio
High School Newspaper – Features Editor
College Radio Station – News Editor and Reader
VISTA/Teacher Corps – One year – Advisor/Editor to Rikers Island Inmate Newsletter
Nat’l Endowment for the Humanities – 13 years – Administrator of Emerging Documentarians Program.
- Founder and editor of NEH Documentary Publication
Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) – 12 years - Associate Director in the National Program Service –
- Worked with producers and writers of nat’l program series including Frontline, The NewsHour, NOVA, the American Experience, and countless single program specials, especially on education, conflict, AIDS, and the Holocaust. Organized and edited programming on the 50th anniversaries of WWII and the Korean Wars, and successive anniversaries of the Vietnam War.
Free-Lance writer and producer – 20 years –
- Wrote and produced 3 PBS nat’l primetime specials
- Script consultant for numerous programs
- Adjunct Professor of Media Studies, Johns Hopkins University
- Conducted interviews fed to media outlets, most recently at the 2016 Republican Convention
- Published work in several newspapers, plus a photograph in the Wash. Post
- Essays in several books
- Mentoring young journalists
Memberships - SPJ, RTDNA, PEN America
Press Club Committee activity – Press Freedom, Broadcasting and Podcasting, Int’l Correspondents
Awards -
- Two Knight Journalism Fellowships
- National Emmy nomination in “The Craft of Writing”
Karen Addis - Candidate for Three-Year Communicator Board Seat
Candidate Statement
It would be my honor to serve you as a Communicator member representative on the NPC board, and I hope that you will support me.
I’ve been a member of the National Press Club since 2016, serving as an active participant on the Communicators Team. During that time, I’ve organized, moderated, and helped plan a number of highly successful professional development events and Happy Hours, bringing communicators and journalists together.
Most recently, I organized and moderated a discussion with the Washington Post about the expansion of its Health & Science section and issues and topics that drive daily coverage.
Last year, I hosted a panel discussion with reporters about COVID, misinformation and disinformation, and attacks on the media’s credibility. I’m especially proud that proceeds from that event went to help support journalists who had been furloughed due to COVID.
Other events I’ve played a role in planning include a panel, “Candid Conversations: Navigating Conversations about Race, Internally and Externally,” where top communicators provided insight and advice about what works and what doesn’t work, and “Dark PR: Disinformation for Hire,” a conversation about disinformation and what communicators and journalists can do to help address it.
I believe passionately in communications and journalism and the critical role each plays in our society. At this point in my career, I’m looking to take my NPC membership to the next level by serving on the Board of Governors to lend my communications guidance and counsel in support of the Club and its advancement.
Throughout my career I’ve been a strong and passionate believer in giving back to my community and to my profession — and I consider journalism an extension of my profession. Over the years, I’ve served on a number of nonprofit boards of directors, so I’m familiar with how boards operate and the joys and challenges that come with board service. I sincerely hope to add the National Press Club Board of Governors to my list of volunteer service.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Karen Addis, APR
Candidate Bio
Karen Addis, APR, has more than 25 years of communications experience, which includes spending over a decade working in-house for national and international nonprofit organizations. A writer at heart, Karen began her career as a reporter for a monthly trade magazine, honing her writing and journalism skills.
Five years ago, Karen launched Addis Communications, a boutique PR firm that specializes in serving national health, science, and technology clients. Prior to that, she held senior-level management positions with several PR agencies, including Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide as well as mid-sized and boutique firms.
Karen also worked in-house as vice president of communications for the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington — the nation’s 17th largest regional YMCA ― where she oversaw PR and marketing for more than 22 community-based facilities in Maryland, DC, and Virginia. She built and managed the infrastructure for the communications department and led strategic communications, media relations, crisis communications, special events, advertising, and marketing.
Karen currently serves on several boards, including CHC: Creating Healthier Communities, which represents national nonprofits that are working to address health inequities; ScholarCHIPS, a local DMV nonprofit that provides college scholarships and mentoring to young adults who have a parent who is incarcerated; and the University of Maryland’s Department of Communications Alumni Advisory Board.
Karen received her APR — Accreditation in Public Relations — certification from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). She has a Master’s Certificate in publications from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Steve Reilly - Candidate for Three-Year Journalist Board Seat
Candidate Statement
We live in a time when journalism is under constant threat. I'm running for a seat on the Board of Governors because I am deeply passionate about the National Press Club's mission of building a vital media community and vigorously defending press freedom in Washington, D.C. and around the world. If elected, I plan to focus my efforts on helping support the Club’s important role defending journalists and our right to seek and publish the truth.
I joined the Club's Press Freedom Team soon after becoming a Club member in 2019, and have seen first-hand the incredible power of the Club’s voice when it speaks out on threats to press freedom. I've been grateful to learn from the example set by other Club leaders who have guided the Press Freedom Team's work. I'm eager to work with other members and officers in the years ahead to continue elevating the Club's efforts to serve as a leading voice on global press freedom issues, including its efforts to secure the safe release of Austin Tice. I also hope to work on exploring new opportunities to grow and diversify the Club’s membership.
I know there is important work to be done as we emerge from the pandemic years and head into an even stronger future for the Club. I hope to work with all members to make the most of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I would be honored to have your consideration for this role, and I look forward to hopefully having the opportunity to work with you!
Candidate Bio
Steve Reilly is a Washington, D.C.-based investigative reporter for Grid. He was previously a reporter on USA TODAY's investigative team, where his reporting led to reforms in rape kit processing protocols, helped spur congressional hearings on the security of the nation’s power grid and prompted national improvements in background checks for teachers. From late 2019 to 2020 he worked as the reporting assistant for Washington Post Associate Editor Bob Woodward.
He was a finalist for the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting for a series on educator misconduct, and has twice been a finalist for the Livingston Awards for Young Journalists. He has discussed his work on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NPR, ABC, NBC, PBS, C-SPAN and other outlets. A Pennsylvania native, he began his career at community newspapers in Pennsylvania and upstate New York. He currently serves as a member of the National Press Club's Press Freedom Team and the Freedom of Information Committee at the Society of Professional Journalists.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Vassar College and is currently finishing a part-time master’s degree in international relations at the University of Cambridge, where his thesis research focuses on international press freedom. In his free time he enjoys reading and running.
Dan McCue - Candidate for Three Year Journalist Board Seat
Candidate Statement
My name is Dan McCue and I am the Content Editor of The Well News here in Washington, D.C.
In nearly three decades in journalism, I’ve worked as the managing editor for a chain of 18 weekly newspapers, the Southeast regional editor for the Courthouse News Service and county government and environmental reporter at the Stuart News in Stuart, Fla.
Examples of a range of my work can be found here.
I had the amazing good fortune of beginning my career in media as an editorial staff assistant at the New Yorker magazine.
Though I can go on and on about serendipity in journalism, in this case the story is pretty straight-forward: I had been working at Radio City Music Hall in New York, decided it was time for a change, and happened to see a copy of the New Yorker by the phone I was standing near.
I dialed the number I found inside and simply asked, “You wouldn’t have any current openings, would you?” And lo and behold they did! And I wound up working there when the legendary William Shawn was still editor and many of its fabled writers and cartoonists from its classic era were still on premises.
Since then, and in addition to the work mentioned above, my work has been published in a number of publications including Renewable Energy Magazine, the Charleston Regional Business Journal, Newsday, the Riverdale Press, Hartford Courant, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Miami Herald, World Trade Magazine, The Music Paper, Spin, and Guitar for the Practicing Musician.
Over the course of my career, I’ve written on everything from federal, state and local government, economic development, international trade, NASA and the aerospace industry, the environment and climate change, particularly the health and well-being of Florida’s Everglades and estuary system, energy, the entertainment industry and even thoroughbred horse racing.
And as a result of that reporting, I’ve garnered numerous awards.
I’ve also hosted my own public affair’s cable television program, “Insight Nassau,” was a regular panelist on News 12 Long Island’s “Reporter’s Roundtable” program and made frequent guest appearances on WGBB radio on Long Island, speaking on government, politics and business.
At The Well News, I manage a small staff of writers and freelancers, and do a large amount of writing and reporting myself, covering the White House, Congress and the Supreme Court. Given that most of my staff is quite young, two reporters being in their first professional jobs, I spend a lot of my time mentoring them on everything from basic writing skills to ethics to the value of teamwork.
At the same time, I also work tirelessly to grow our publication and its stature in our intensely competitive media market.
Frankly, I can’t think of anything that’s more fun than my job and my profession.
So why do I hope you’ll vote for me to represent you on the National Press Club board?
To put it simply, I want to use the experience I’ve acquired in the service of our club, the initiatives it pursues and in your life as a club member. At the same time, it’s my hope that in this role I can advance the cause of quality and serious journalism and those who practice it.
Candidate Bio
Dan McCue is the Content Editor of The Well News. In nearly three decades in journalism, he has been the managing editor for a chain of 18 weekly newspapers, the Southeast regional editor for the Courthouse News Services, and was county government and environmental reporter at the Stuart News in Stuart, Fla.
Dan began his career in media as an editorial staff assistant at the New Yorker magazine. Since then, and in addition to the work mentioned above, his work has been published in a number of other publications including Renewable Energy Magazine, the Charleston Regional Business Journal, Newsday, the Riverdale Press, Hartford Courant, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Miami Herald, World Trade Magazine, The Music Paper, Spin, and Guitar for the Practicing Musician.
Over the course of Dan’s career, he’s written on everything from federal, state and local government, economic development, international trade, NASA and the aerospace industry, the environment and climate change, particularly the health and well-being of Florida’s Everglades and estuary system, energy, the entertainment industry, and even thoroughbred horse racing.
Many of Dan’s articles over the years have been award winners. Examples of his work can be found here.
He also hosted his own public affair’s cable television program, “Insight Nassau,” was a regular panelist on News 12 Long Island’s “Reporter’s Roundtable” program and made frequent guest appearances on WGBB radio on Long Island, speaking on government, politics and business.
Mushfiqul Fazal - Candidate for Three Year Journalist Board Seat
Dear Friends!
My name is Mushfiqul Fazal. Many of you know me as Mushfique. I am a Bangladeshi-origin journalist working for Just News BD as Editor and White House Correspondent, covering the UN, US State Department, and Pentagon. I also contribute as Editor-at-Large for a New York-based newly founded tv network, News Communication Network (NCN); and I am executive director (unpaid) of a Washington-based nonprofit rights group, Right to Freedom. Occasionally I am a guest anchor for the Wilson Center. Most of all, I have been a proud member of the National Press Club since 2015 and seek your vote for the NPC Board of Governors (three-year term), which I hope will benefit from my international experience and passion for freedom of the press.
I am from that country where free journalism is treated like a criminal activity. Bangladesh's ruling authority introduced a draconian law, ‘digital security act’, to stop freedom of expression. My news outlet was blocked by the regime inside the country, although it is available to the outside world. Bangladesh, run by a self-styled fascist government, stands behind war-torn Afghanistan as the country’s position is 152 in the annual press freedom index.
I can’t forget my colleagues and journalist-couple Sagar Sarwar and Meherun Runi, who were killed in the early hours of February 11, 2012, at their rented apartment in the capital, Dhaka. Nine years on, justice remains unattainable. My fellow photojournalist Shahidul Alam, Time Person of the Year-2018, was in jail for 107 days; he described the horrific situation when I invited him to deliver a talk on behalf of the NPC Press Freedom Committee to our Club in April 2019. I suffered a lot for free journalism as I was exiled in the UK.
I will keep fighting for free journalism until my last breath. And it will be one of my main focus areas as a member of the Board of Governors if I can be elected with your kind support. I had the opportunity to be engaged with the Press Freedom Committee in 2015-2017.
Our club is facing huge challenges because of the ongoing pandemic. I can assure you I will work hard to bring back our club as it was before, including mitigating the financial challenges.
For enhancing membership engagement I am willing to introduce more events including family day; recreation tours for the young members; reopening the complementary breakfast service, and sharing interactions with fellow members.
When you select your choice for the Board of Governors of the National Press Club, I humbly ask for your vote and fight with me for what’s right in these turbulent times.
Thank you so much for your support.
Candidate Bio
M. Mushfiqul Fazal born and raised in Bangladesh. Currently working for Just News BD as Editor and White House Correspondent, covering the UN, US State Department, and Pentagon. He is the Editor-at-large for a New York-based newly founded tv network News Communication Network (NCN).
He extensively reports on the US and its regional affairs in South Asia, especially in Bangladesh. Mushfiqul is a strong voice for press freedom; He is involved in Washington based nonprofit rights group, Right to Freedom as Executive Director (unpaid). His journalistic works forced him to exile, living in the UK where he worked for The Times and Sunday Times as work experience reporter in the foreign desk. According to reports, on several occasions, his questions at the UN and US State Department press conferences on gross human rights violations directed the governments’ anger towards him resulting in a ban on his return to Bangladesh and blocked the news outlet in Bangladesh.
In Bangladesh he started his career with the research organization- BUP as a research assistant at the late nineties. Later he joined Robber publications as Assistant Editor; worked for the Prime Minister of Bangladesh as Assistant Press Secretary (2001-2006); Diplomatic Correspondent of the oldest Bengali daily- Ittefaq; Politcal Reporter for the United News of Bangladesh (UNB).
Mushfiqul Fazal hosted a popular tv show at the NTV, titled Hello Excellency, around sixty ambassadors and foreign dignitaries participated his show. Occasionally he is working with the Wilson Center as a guest a moderator. He is a member of the Washington National Press Club since 2015; also member of the United Nations Correspondent Association, Bangladesh National Press Club and Foreign Press Correspondents Association.
Mushfiqul Fazal delivered speeches on democracy, human rights and press freedom in many places including Harvard University, Oxford University, George Washington University, British Parliament and the UN. He completed his postgraduate from the National University of Bangladesh and the University of Liverpool, UK. Currently he lives in Virginia with his wife and two sons.
Poonam Sharma - Candidate for Secretary
I’m Poonam Sharma, and I’m running for the office of Secretary of the National Press Club. This year, I served as the Membership Secretary, and on the Club’s Board of Governors before that. I respectfully request your support to continue serving the Club in 2024 as Secretary.
My journalism career started at the age of 10 when, along with my classmates, I started a newspaper at Sana’a International School in Yemen called the Jambia Journal. One of the early lessons learned was that not everybody will like what you write, but it is important to listen to different viewpoints and make decisions collectively. In a team or Board setting, it is never about being right. It is about finding the best solution. It takes a diversity of thought, opinion, and experience to see the big picture and make informed decisions. As a candidate for the Club’s leadership team, I promise to do just that. I will work hard to bring more prospective members to the Club and contribute to efforts to generate more business.
My volunteer experience includes serving on the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) board in multiple roles, including VP of Professional Development, VP of Membership, President of the DC Metro chapter, and Vice Chair of the IABC Heritage Region, which oversees 17 chapters in the US.
I am proud to be a member of the National Press Club and look forward to continuing to support its mission of advocating for press freedom worldwide, and championing the cause of journalists. I hope you will support me and give me an opportunity to do so. Thank you.
Candidate Bio
Poonam Sharma is the founder and editor of Global Strat View. During her career, she has worked across the spectrum of journalism - from broadcasting at a community radio station in Canberra, Australia; working at a multimedia news agency in New Delhi, India; producing talk shows in Hindi and Punjabi at a South Asian media outlet in Vancouver, Canada; to running India America Today in Washington DC with her partner, the late Tejinder Singh.
Sharma holds a postgraduate diploma in journalism and a bachelor of arts degree from Delhi University, where she majored in English, history, and political science.
Born in New Delhi, India, she has been a globetrotter since birth and had a passport before she could walk. Having lived in India, Yemen, Sweden, South Korea, Australia, Uganda, and Canada, Sharma now resides in Northern Virginia with her newshound, a Boston Terrier named Gadget.
Mark Schoeff Jr. - Candidate for One Year (Unexpired) Journalist Board Seat
Candidate Statement
Thank you for participating in this year’s National Press Club election. I am running for Membership Secretary and asking for your vote.
I love the Club, which has been central to my life since I joined in 2005. Serving on the Board of Governors the last four years -- and as chair this year -- has been a wonderful experience. I have tried as best I can to make positive contributions to Club governance at this critical moment in our history.
During my time on the board, I’ve had the privilege of working with four outstanding Club presidents – the late Mike Freedman, Lisa Nicole Matthews, Jen Judson and Eileen O’Reilly. Under their leadership, the Club survived the coronavirus pandemic, stabilized and has now returned to vibrant in-person activity while maintaining a strong hybrid presence online.
I’m confident the Club will continue to thrive – and become even stronger -- with Emily Wilkins as president. I encourage you to vote for her. As Membership Secretary, I will work with Emily, the other officers and the board to increase Club membership and make it more diverse. The Club must become an indispensable part of the professional – and social – lives of journalists and communicators in Washington and throughout the country.
In addition to serving on the Club board, I am co-chair of the Wire Team with former Club President Donna Leinwand Leger. Donna and I have led the Wire since 2011. The Wire has become the connective tissue of the Club, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our volunteer editors and writers.
It was an honor to be a member of the Club board. I’m asking for your vote to continue to serve the Club as an officer.
Thank you.
Candidate Bio
Mark Schoeff Jr. is a senior reporter for InvestmentNews, a business magazine published by Key Media. He covers legislation and regulations affecting retail investment advisors and brokers. He won an award in 2022 from Editor & Publisher magazine for his column, D.C. Insider.
Prior to joining InvestmentNews in April 2010, Schoeff served for nearly five years as the Washington correspondent for Workforce Management, a former Crain Communications publication, writing about employment and labor law. He has contributed regularly to Howey Politics Indiana, a weekly political newsletter based in Indianapolis, since 1997.
Schoeff’s other career experiences in Washington include serving as director of external relations at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and as press secretary for former Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana.
After growing up in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, he began his career in New York City, where one of his jobs was managing editor of a community paper in Manhattan. He wrote for the sports desk of the Ft. Wayne News-Sentinel during high school and college.
Schoeff is chair of the National Press Club Board of Governors. He also is co-chair of the Club’s Publications Team and serves as an editor of The Wire, the Club’s electronic newsletter.
Schoeff earned his undergraduate degree from Purdue University, where he was a reporter and editor on the daily campus newspaper, The Purdue Exponent. He has a master’s degree from George Mason University.
Tara Copp - Candidate for Three Year Journalist Board Seat
Candidate Bio
Tara Copp is the senior Pentagon correspondent for Defense One. Copp has reported through the Middle East, Asia and Europe to cover defense policy and its impact on the lives of service members. Her investigative reporting on military aviation accidents and on skyrocketing veteran cancer rates drove Congressional hearings and legislation. Before returning to journalism, she worked as a senior defense analyst at the U.S. Government Accountability Office, focused on readiness and military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. She is a Plan II graduate of the University of Texas and earned her masters in Security Studies at Georgetown University.
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