Governors recognize Donnelly, thank Werner

The National Press Club Board of Governors recognized John Donnelly , who is leaving the Board after a dozen years of service, at its annual appreciation dinner Jan. 17.

"His board colleagues have learned from him, valued his guidance, and counted on his leadership on every important issue the National Press Club has faced for more than a decade," outgoing Board Chairman John Hughes said of Donnelly in remarks at the dinner.

"He has taken the Club's Freedom of the Press Committee to new heights," Hughes said. "Few if any working journalists in Washington possess a greater grasp of press-freedom issues, he added.

Donnelly, who received two standing ovations from his board colleagues, is among the longest serving board members in Club history. He said in remarks to the Board that as much as he has served, he has gotten far more back from the Club. He said that during his years of service board members have become more agreeable with one another, even when disagreeing.

Donnelly, a senior writer covering defense at Congressional Quarterly, will continue to lead the Club's Press Freedom Committee.

The Board thanked outgoing Club President Theresa Werner, a six-year member of the Board, for her presidency, which Hughes described as smooth, successful and marked by a string of high-profile news luncheon speakers, including singers James Taylor and Roger Daltrey.

The board said farewell and extended thanks to two other members who are stepping down, former Club President Mark Hamrick and Membership Secretary Nyia Hawkins.