Leadership Academy
Developing Leaders | Strengthening Newsrooms and Media Organizations
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) recognizes that building a stronger media industry requires more than developing outstanding journalists and storytellers. It also means preparing visionary leaders, innovative managers, and entrepreneurs who understand both the editorial and business sides of media
About the NABJ Leadership Academy
The NABJ Leadership Academy advances the organization’s mission by preparing the next generation of Black journalists, media leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs who will shape the future of journalism, communications, and content creation.
Through this experience, NABJ members gain skills to influence a culture of inclusion, fuel innovation, build and maintain sustainable teams and organizations, and ultimately, expand Black representation in executive leadership and entrepreneurial spaces throughout the media industry.
Participants benefit from engaging with executives responsible for both the editorial mission and the business infrastructure that sustains media organizations. Full members of NABJ are eligible to apply for the Academy. While many participants lead newsrooms, the program welcomes professionals from across the media landscape, including leaders in:
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Sales and revenue strategy
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Human Resources
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Operations
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Production
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Creative services
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Marketing and audience development
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Digital and emerging media
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Promotions and branding
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Nonprofit media organizations
Hear from Leadership Academy Alumni
Leadership Academy Mentors
Aja Whitaker-Moore
Deputy Editor-in-Chief, The Wall Street Journal
Alexander Quince
Vice President and GM, WBNG
Ben Hart
President and GM, WJCL
Brandin Stewart
SVP & Regional Manager, Nexstar
Cedric Thomas
Vice President and GM, WSOC
Delano Massey
Managing Editor, Axios Local
Danielle Belton
Former Editor in Chief, HuffPost
Darryll Green
Former President and GM, WFOR
D’Artagnan Bebel
Sr. Vice President, GM, FOX26
Hollis Towns
Chief Operating Officer, Deep South Today
Johnny Green
President and GM, CBS NY and Boston
Kathy Times
Leadership Academy Facilitator, President, Yellow Brick Media Concepts
Kevin Cross
President and GM, NBCU Local Chicago
Kym Grinnage
Regional Vice President and GM, WWBT/WUPV
Leon Clark
Vice President and GM, KGTV
Leroy Chapman
Editor in Chief, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Lori Waldon
President and GM, KOAT
Matt Moran
Senior Managing VP, Gray Media
Michael Carr
President and GM, KTRK
Michael Lewis
Sr. Vice President, GM, FOX10 Phoenix, FOX13 Seattle
Michelle Robinson
Vice President, GM WBTV
Monica Richardson
Senior Vice President, USA Today
RaMona Alexander
Vice President, GM WDBD
Rana Cash
Executive Editor, Daytona Beach News-Journal
Ric Harris
Vice President, GM, WGN
Richard Dyer
Sr. VP Operations, President and GM, WUSA
Ron Bartholomew
Vice President and GM, Equity Media Stations
Terri Cope Walton
Vice President and GM, WJXT
Tod Smith
President & General Manager, WWL-TV, TEGNA Company, Inc.
Valerie Butler Guyton
President and GM, KWES
Valerie Russell-Clausell
General Manager, WTVY
Leadership Academy 2026 Fellows
Frava Burgess
Assistant News Director, KTTV/KCOP FOX 11 Los Angeles
Tyler Clifford
Breaking News Editor, Bloomberg News
Kari Cobham
Director of Fellowships, The 19th News
Kayla Cockrel
Web Editor, Detroit Free Press
Deanna Fry
Senior Producer, CNN This Morning
Janelle Bass Hawthorne
Director of News, TV20, Cleveland Public Access
Crystal Hill
News Editor, Axios
Ebony Kendrick
Managing Editor, THV11 News (KTHV)/ TEGNA
Eddie Maisonet
Senior Sports Editor, Chron Sports
Marla Jones Newman
Vice President, People and Culture, The Center for Investigative Reporting
Afua Owusu
Executive Producer, WCBS / CBS New York (CBS NYC)
Brandon Williams
Managing Director of News, Spectrum News 13
Leadership Academy Testimonials
Rod Beard, Atlanta Journal-Constitution Senior Sports Editor
“The Leadership Academy is a blessing. The elements of identifying a brand and being able to communicate it effectively were the keys to getting my new role. One of my mentors is the editor-in-chief at the AJC, so having those meetings helped prepare me for interactions with executive-level leaders, which made the transition seamless.”
“The Leadership Academy cohort became both a sounding board and a support system. We shared advice, feedback, and encouragement as we navigated similar career transitions, and those relationships continue today through group texts and monthly Zoom check-ins. The Academy didn’t just build our leadership skills. It created a network we’ll rely on for years to come.”
Valerie Russell Clausell – General Manager and Vice President, WTVY, Dothan, Alabama
“Just before I was promoted to general manager, I was selected to join the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Leadership Academy, which proved to be the missing link in my professional growth. I was paired with experienced mentors who generously shared their knowledge. These seasoned professionals, including general managers, regional directors, and vice presidents, offered invaluable insights on managing staff, driving profits, and navigating spaces traditionally dominated by others. Their guidance provided me with the confidence and expertise needed to thrive and further advance my career.”
Pamela De La Fuente – NerdWallet, Managing Editor for Consumer Credit & Debt Content
I’ve been in journalism for 20 years, but I still gained so much from the NABJ Leadership Academy mentors. USA Today Senior Vice President Monica Richardson gave me time every week and still reaches out to check on me. She believes in me and counseled me to speak up. Because of her, I was named interim head of content over a peer with more tenure and company experience.
Leadership Academy Sponsored by ABC News/Disney
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time commitment?
The Leadership Academy is a nine-month program that combines virtual learning, mentoring, and in-person engagement. Fellows participate in professional development sessions throughout the year, with most activities taking place virtually.
The program includes Executive Development Exchanges led by senior executives from ABC News/Disney on topics such as:
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Leading Live News for a Streaming Audience
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Digital and Social Strategy
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Leading Global Coverage in a 24/7 News Cycle: Teamwork, Trust, and Coordination in Real Time
Fellows also participate in virtual sessions focused on leadership development, personal branding, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and monthly mentoring with media executives.
The program concludes with an in-person capstone experience. Fellows must attend the annual NABJ National Convention & Career Fair, deliver their presentations, and attend leadership sessions.
What are capstone presentations?
Capstone presentations allow fellows to showcase leadership lessons, strategic insights, personal growth, and industry ideas developed throughout the Academy experience.
Presentations are delivered during the NABJ Convention before peers, mentors, convention attendees, partners, and industry leaders.
What makes the NABJ Leadership Academy unique?
The NABJ Leadership Academy combines:
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Executive mentorship from general managers, executive editors, and other media senior executives
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Professional development seminars in personal branding, social media marketing, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence
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Executive Development Exchanges led by influential media executives from ABC News/Disney
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Cross-functional industry exposure
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A powerful national network of peers and leaders
It is specifically designed to strengthen the pipeline of NABJ members in media leadership.
Are fellows matched with mentors?
Yes. Fellows are paired with senior media executives and leaders who provide mentorship, guidance, accountability, and career insight at least monthly throughout the program.
Is there a cost to participate?
There is no cost to participate in the professional development and mentoring sessions. Thanks to the support of ABC News/Disney, fellows do not pay tuition. They are responsible for the costs of travel and lodging to attend the NABJ National Convention & Career Fair and spend one day at Leadership Academy activities. Selected fellows are expected to fully commit to the program experience and convention participation.
How are fellows selected?
Applicants who meet the requirements are selected to interview with multiple mentors who evaluate and rank semi-finalists based on:
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Leadership experience
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Career trajectory
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Commitment to professional growth and media leadership
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Industry impact
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Communication skills
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Quality of responses on the application