Statement from National Press Club President Mike Balsamo on the Passing of Past President Frank Aukofer
The National Press Club is deeply saddened by the passing of Frank Aukofer, our 1978 president and a beloved member of our community for more than five decades. A proud son of Milwaukee and longtime Washington bureau chief of the Milwaukee Journal, Frank was one of the most respected regional reporters ever to cover the nation’s capital.
He brought to his reporting the same calm, principled approach that defined his leadership at the Club. As a journalist, he covered politics with fairness and depth, always keeping readers back home in mind. As a Club president, he helped guide the organization through a pivotal moment in its history — and never stopped being part of its future.
Frank remained an active presence at the National Press Club for decades after his presidency, attending events, mentoring younger journalists, and offering thoughtful perspective to generations of members. He was a steady voice, a kind colleague, and someone you could always count on to make the room feel smarter — and warmer.
He embodied what it meant to be a Washington correspondent rooted in hometown values. On behalf of the entire National Press Club community, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Frank’s family, friends, and former colleagues. He helped shape this place, and we will miss him deeply.
Mike Balsamo
118th President
National Press Club
About the National Press Club
Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world’s leading professional organization for journalists. Based in Washington, D.C., the Club has nearly 3,000 members representing nearly every major news organization. It hosts newsmakers from around the globe, champions press freedom worldwide through its Press Freedom Center and serves as a hub for journalistic excellence and advocacy.
Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534, [email protected] for the National Press Club Center for Press Freedom