Mike Balsamo from the Associated Press has been elected as the President of the National Press Club.
Washington, DC, December 10, 2024—Mike Balsamo, the Associated Press’s national law enforcement editor, has been elected the 118th President of the National Press Club. Balsamo ran unopposed and received 238 votes.
In additional results, Alisa Parenti of Bloomberg News was elected vice president without opposition, securing 238 votes. Similarly, Poonam Sharma of Global Strat View was elected treasurer, also unopposed, with 229 votes.
Mark Schoeff Jr. of CQ Roll Call emerged victorious against Sarah Clune Hartman of PBS NewsHour, with a final vote tally of 127 to 117, becoming the Club’s secretary. Steve Reilly of CBS News was elected as the new membership secretary without opposition, receiving 240 votes.
Tara Copp from the Associated Press and Herb Jackson from Bloomberg Industry Group were elected to three-year journalist positions on the Board of Governors. Copp received 217 votes, while Jackson obtained 178 votes. Steven Herman from Voice of America secured the one-year unexpired journalist governor position, defeating Sarakshi Rai of The Hill with a vote count of 147 to 96.
Maria Rodriguez of Vanguard Communications triumphed over Erin Geraghty of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges for a three-year communicator seat on the Board, receiving 91 votes compared to Geraghty’s 50.
After the results were announced, President-elect Balsamo stated, “We are not merely journalists and communicators; we are defenders of democracy. We are guardians of truth. This Club is our sanctuary and our weapon.”
Balsamo articulated that his tenure will prioritize expanding initiatives to promote press freedom and enhance the infrastructure and skills development of journalists within the organization. He underscored the Club’s potential to succeed in areas where other press freedom organizations have encountered challenges, particularly in supporting exiled journalists and those detained outside the United States, through the establishment of the new Press Freedom Center.
Additionally, Balsamo announced plans to implement further security enhancements and expressed a commitment to improving the quality of the Club’s headlining speakers. He conveyed his intention to develop more vibrant and engaging events for members.
Moreover, he indicated that the Club is contemplating organizing an additional’ career day’ in collaboration with the Journalism Institute. Discussions are also ongoing regarding strategies for journalists to safeguard themselves against various threats.
“The central objective is to foster collaboration among all parties,” Balsamo stated. “The Club, the center, and the institute are united in their strategic mission to advance the interests of our members and the broader journalistic community.”
- Established in 1908, the National Press Club is the premier professional organization dedicated to journalists worldwide. With a diverse membership of over 2,500 individuals, the Club brings together representatives from nearly every major news outlet, creating a vibrant community of media professionals. As a powerful advocate for press freedom, the Club actively engages in discussions and initiatives that promote the rights of journalists in the United States and beyond, emphasizing the vital role of a free press in a democratic society.
Source: National Press Club
— The Editor is a Member of The National Press Club.
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