Ed Kelley Steps Up to Lead the National Press Club Journalism Institute in 2025
National Press Club Journalism Institute Welcomes New Leadership
In a significant announcement, the National Press Club Journalism Institute has appointed Ed Kelley as its president for the 2025-26 term. Kelley, a seasoned advocate for journalists with a rich history in local media and academia, is set to lead the 15-member board, which steers the nonprofit's mission. He succeeds Gil Klein, who successfully guided the organization through considerable growth and challenges during the pandemic.
Kelley voiced his enthusiasm about the role, highlighting the Institute's importance in supporting small newsrooms across the nation. "It's particularly gratifying when journalists in small newsrooms see the Institute as an essential partner in serving their communities," he remarked, underlining the organization's extensive reach and the experience of its board members.
The board includes diverse talents, such as Alisa Parenti, Bloomberg News breaking news editor and vice president of the National Press Club's Board of Governors. Other returning members bring decades of journalism experience from prestigious organizations including The Associated Press, WHYY Philadelphia, ProPublica, and Defense News, signifying the board's commitment to fostering quality journalism.
Prior to this role, Kelley served as dean of the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma from 2015 to 2023. Over his illustrious career, he has received numerous accolades, including the National Editor of the Year award by the National Press Foundation for his exceptional coverage of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1996. Additionally, Kelley has served as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes and has been inducted into both the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame and the Great Plains Journalism Hall of Fame.
Under Kelley’s leadership, the Institute aims to enhance its initiatives to empower journalists in the public interest. The organization focuses on developing training resources, administering scholarships for emerging journalists, and facilitating discussions on key issues within the journalism field.
Donations play a crucial role in sustaining the Institute's activities. Support from individuals and organizations helps ensure the delivery of vital training programs to journalists nationwide. As the new leadership phase begins, the engagement of the journalism community remains a priority, fostering an informed and representative democracy.
Kelley's extensive background positions him well to navigate the evolving landscape of journalism and uphold the Institute’s mission of promoting a free and independent press. His vision is clear: to strengthen the network of journalists while maintaining a focus on providing necessary resources for community-based reporting.
As the National Press Club Journalism Institute embarks on this new chapter, the leadership hopes to continue its alignment with journalists dedicated to informing the public and serving their communities effectively. The ongoing commitment to uphold journalistic integrity remains the cornerstone of the Institute’s values, with Kelley at the helm, steering the future for years to come.
For more information about the National Press Club Journalism Institute and how to support its initiatives, visit their website or contact their executive director for further inquiries.