Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, announces an expanded Advisory Board.
WASHINGTON, DC, October 17, 2025 — The Press Freedom Center, housed within the historic National Press Club in Washington, DC, has officially announced the expansion of its Advisory Board.
This distinguished group of journalists, advocates, and thought leaders will guide the Center’s mission to defend press freedom and support journalists around the world.
The Advisory Board brings together a diverse range of expertise—from investigative reporting and international media law to digital rights and global policy. Their collective insight will help shape the Center’s programs, advocacy efforts, and educational initiatives.
This announcement marks a renewed commitment to protecting the rights of journalists and promoting transparency, accountability, and free expression across borders.
The Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club has added three new members to its Advisory Board. This esteemed group of journalists, attorneys, and experts will guide the organization as it works diligently to protect journalists in crisis, uphold press freedom, and provide essential support to those at risk due to their work.
The Advisory Board plays a crucial role in shaping the Center’s initiatives, ensuring it stays at the forefront of defending independent journalism and supporting the essential work of reporters in dangerous situations. The Press Freedom Center is dedicated to standing by journalists through emergency assistance programs, legal and immigration support, and advocacy efforts.
Here is the complete roster of the Advisory Board for the Press Freedom Center:
- Yamiche Alcindor, White House Correspondent, NBC News
- Mike Balsamo, President, National Press Club; U.S. Law Enforcement Editor, Associated Press
- Paul Beckett, former D.C. Bureau Chief, The Wall Street Journal
- Jeff Eller, Founder and President, The Eller Group and Former Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Media Affairs
- Sam Feist, President, C-Span
- Caoilfhionn Gallagher, Attorney Doughty Street Partners, London
- Tiffany Harness, Foreign Policy Editor, The New York Times
- Kathy Kiely, Lee Hills Chair in Free Press Studies, Missouri School of Journalism
- Alsu Kurmasheva, Press Freedom Advocate, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
- Fred Ryan, Chairman, Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation; Former Publisher, The Washington Post
- Jim Sciutto, Anchor and Chief National Security Analyst, CNN
- Caroline Scullin, Global Communications Strategist, Concordia
- Madhulika Sikka, VP and Executive Editor, Crown Books; Former Executive Producer of Audio, The Washington Post, and Executive Editor, National Public Radio
- Erik Sunde, Attorney at Law, Houston, TX; Counsel and Advocate for Austin, Marc, and Debra Tice
- Edward Wong, Diplomatic Correspondent, The New York Times
- Jason Rezaian, Director, Press Freedom Initiatives, The Washington Post; Board Chair, Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club
- William McCarren, Director, Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club; Former Executive Director of the National Press Club
Launched in November 2024, the Press Freedom Center serves as a lifeline for journalists who face immediate threats to their safety, liberty, and ability to report freely. With initial funding from the National Press Club and the National Press Club Journalism Institute, the Center provides critical services such as emergency assistance, immigration and legal support, and press freedom advocacy on a global scale.
“The work of the Press Freedom Center has never been more crucial,” said National Press Club President Mike Balsamo, “Journalists are facing unprecedented threats, and the Center’s efforts to provide immediate relief and long-term advocacy are essential to ensuring a free and independent press. Our commitment to these journalists is not only about defending press freedom; it is also about defending democracy itself.”
Established in 1908, the National Press Club stands as the foremost professional organization for journalists across the globe. Located in Washington, D.C., the Club boasts nearly 3,000 members from a wide array of major news organizations. It serves as a vital platform for newsmakers from around the world, champions the essential cause of press freedom through its Press Freedom Center, and is a powerful hub for advancing journalistic excellence and advocacy.
Source: National Press Club
— The CitiTimes Editor is a National Press Club Member.
CitiTimes 