Theresa Werner: Candidate for Club president

With challenging times facing our industry, the future of the National Press Club has never been a more important topic. I’m writing as a journalist who has seen that first-hand. I worked at NBC4 and Associated Press Radio and Television. I am currently freelancing, which has allowed me to expand and improve my journalism skills, some I have not used in several years including hosting, producing and many technical skills. That’s where the Press Club comes in, helping fellow members improve our professional capabilities and networking with journalistic colleagues.

I served two years as president of the American News Women’s Club and was the D.C. Chapter president of AWRT. I served as chairwoman of the Club’s Professional Development Committee establishing training efforts and a mentoring program.
I have served on the Board for five years and have chaired it for two.

During my time on the board, we have set the Club on the path to financial stability and increased journalist members.
 
I have worked with the Club’s executive director to put together a business model that is helping the club continue to be successful in this tough economic time. By mid 2012, the Club will have reached its financial reserve goals allowing the Club to concentrate on enhancing member experience.
 
I want Professional Development to be prevalent throughout the club. I will bring back “Breakfast with Champions” a very successful networking professional opportunity.
 
I will to create an integrated social media plan so that members can receive information in a way they want to receive it.

The Press Club is the world’s leading professional organization for journalists, and with my proven track record, membership will continue to not only be worth it, but be essential.

When voting, please ask who is the person best equipped to lead the Club? You need a doer, a constructive and experienced journalist. Someone who can walk into a room and properly represent the Club, whether during a Luncheon, or during a meeting with visiting international journalists, or prospective members. I hope you will agree that I'm that person, and I'm asking for your vote.