Elliot C. Williams, a public radio journalist and educator, has joined the National Press Club Journalism Institute as its Training Coordinator. Williams will start in the role on Nov. 4.
In this role, Williams will develop and expand the Institute’s professional development portfolio, creating unique learning opportunities for journalists at all stages of their careers.
“I’m thrilled to join the Institute at this moment, a time of profound change across the media industry,” Williams said. “As a working reporter myself, I know that journalists are eager to hone their craft and support a strong democracy. I look forward to developing programs that address the unique challenges and opportunities journalists face today.”
The Institute, based in Washington, D.C., produces dozens of free and low-cost webinars and workshops designed to empower journalists with the skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire a more representative democracy. The Institute is the nonprofit affiliate of the National Press Club.
Williams’ initial plans include prioritizing training needs for the more than 8,800 journalists and communicators the Institute serves; developing in-person workshops and webinars; and integrating on-demand learning options to the Institute’s training portfolio. He’ll also assist in implementing the Institute’s new fellowship and internship opportunities.
“Elliot has a keen understanding of the challenges — and opportunities — for journalists in our evolving industry landscape,” said Beth Francesco, executive director of the Institute. “As a multiplatform storyteller, editor, and educator, he will bring a fresh approach not only to what we’ll cover, but how we deliver it. We are thrilled that he is bringing his talent and ideas to the Institute’s work.”
Williams brings a passion for professional development and commitment to innovative approaches to cultivating learning. Williams most recently worked as the arts and culture reporter for WAMU, Washington’s NPR station. He has worked as a staff writer for the beloved local news site DCist, as well as Washingtonian Magazine, where he was an assistant editor and oversaw the magazine’s fellowship program. His writing has also appeared in The Washington Post, TheAtlantic.com, and The New York Times For Kids, among other publications.
Williams has also worked as a journalism adjunct professor at The George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. He holds a master’s degree from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School and a bachelor’s degree from Villanova University.
“As someone who’s passionate about education and the practice of journalism, I know all too well what media organizations need today: more resources,” said Williams. “Training opportunities are among the most important resources that many newsrooms lack, so my foremost goal is to provide in-person workshops, seminars, and online training sessions that are accessible and responsive to the needs of all journalists and media professionals.”
The majority of Institute programming is available at no cost to the thousands of participants from across the United States. The Institute is supported through grant funding, individual donations, and registration fees for select training. To donate or to inquire about funding programs, please email Executive Director Beth Francesco.
Welcome aboard, Elliott!