National Press Club Journalism Institute names Beth Francesco as executive director

The National Press Club Journalism Institute has appointed Beth Francesco, an experienced educator, press freedom advocate and editor, as the organization’s next executive director.  

Francesco was unanimously approved to lead the organization, which is the nonprofit affiliate of the National Press Club, as it redefines and expands its professional development offerings and press-freedom initiatives in light of journalists’ evolving needs.

The Institute serves thousands of journalists throughout the country through its webinars, afternoon newsletter, scholarships, and other resources. 

Francesco has served as interim executive director since October, when Julie Moos departed after shepherding a period of rapid growth and a pivot to fully virtual services during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The Institute board determined that Francesco has shown incredible energy, initiative and talent in driving momentum forward while planning a return to in-person activities and establishing an infrastructure to expand the Institute’s service areas.   

“Beth has shown that when faced with a challenge, she can come up with new solutions,” said Institute President Gil Klein. “She has worked closely with Club teams to create programs that fit the Institute’s mission, and she has shown a drive to find new revenue sources that will expand its reach. She is the right person at the right time for this job.”  

 Club President Eileen O’Reilly said she was enthusiastic with the choice.   

“I know that Beth will lead the NPCJI to its highest level yet,” O’Reilly said. “Beth has a steely strong commitment to our press freedom mission and our drive to foster excellence and opportunity for journalists everywhere, and I look forward to seeing what she accomplishes in the years to come.” 

The Institute is poised to provide support as the industry continues to transform, Francesco said.

“The opportunities and challenges ahead for journalists are many. Among the things we’ve shown during the last years is our ability to be nimble and use our platforms to tackle tough issues -- while celebrating and amplifying the great work being done by journalists in communities throughout the country," Francesco said. "I’m grateful for the chance to explore ways to sustain and protect strong journalism while empowering the journalists who produce it."

Francesco plans to hire staff that will bolster the Institute’s professional development and fundraising initiatives. She'll also develop signature training programs, including fellowships, on-site workshops, and other hands-on learning opportunities, that capitalize on the location of and strong talent within the Institute and the Club. And, press freedom remains core to the Institute’s mission and work. 

“The Institute is fortunate to have incredible partners who agree that journalists are critical to a healthy democracy,” Francesco said. “With their support, we’ll create innovative paths for journalists to explore their craft, get career support, and have a sense of community.”  

Francesco joined the Institute team in August 2019. Prior to that she was the advisor and director of the Student Publications Department at the University of Texas at Arlington and was involved as a leader with multiple nonprofit organizations. She got her professional journalism start as a copy editor/designer-turned-metro editor at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times in South Texas. She holds an M.A. in journalism from University of North Texas and a B.A. in communication from the University of Texas at Arlington.  

You can reach Beth Francesco at [email protected] for information on upcoming training and programs, to exchange ideas for serving journalists, and to learn how to financially support the Institute’s important work.

Follow her @bethfrancesco on Twitter.