Wilkins' Inaugural Gala set for Friday

Emily Wilkins, a Washington correspondent for CNBC, is scheduled to be inaugurated as the 117th National Press Club president on Friday, Feb. 9.

The presidential inauguration, one of the great Club traditions, draws hundreds of attendees from the journalism and education communities. The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception. The dinner and program are slated for 7:30 p.m. The audience is invited to post-dinner cocktails at 9:30 p.m. Attire is black-tie optional. Purchase tickets online.  

Wilkins started at CNBC last June, covering Congress, key regulatory issues and policies that impact American businesses and the economy. Prior to CNBC, she served as a reporter for Bloomberg Government, where she covered breaking news coming out of Washington and Congress with a focus on House leadership. She previously reported on education and labor for both Bloomberg Government and CQ Roll Call.

Wilkins began her year as president when she received the Club gavel from former President Eileen O’Reilly at the Jan. 19 Annual Membership Meeting.

One of Wilkins’ goals is to strengthen the Club’s ties to other journalism organizations to bolster the field at a time of great stress.

“We’re stronger when we’re together; we’re better when we’re together,” Wilkins said at the membership meeting.