PETERSBURG, Fla. (April 16, 2026) — The Poynter Institute today announced the cohort of journalists selected for its 2026 Leadership Academy, an immersive, in-person program designed to equip media professionals with the skills needed to lead modern news organizations.
The program will take place April 20–24 at Poynter’s campus in St. Petersburg, Florida. Participants were selected through a competitive process that prioritized a diverse mix of roles, organizations and perspectives across the media landscape.
The Leadership Academy focuses on the human-centered skills essential to effective leadership, including navigating ethical decision-making, managing across generations, leading difficult conversations and building strong, resilient teams. Participants will also receive a 360-degree feedback assessment and a Gallup CliftonStrengths report to better understand their leadership style and impact.
“Too many leaders find themselves at the midpoint of their careers, or in senior positions, without leadership training,” said Tony Elkins, Poynter faculty for leadership academies. “This program provides a space where they can learn from peers and Poynter facilitators about what makes a great leader, mentor, manager and coach. At the end of these workshops we want them to leave with a full set of tools, skills and connections to help build better teams and organizations.”
The weeklong program brings together a cohort of emerging and established leaders to learn from faculty and one another, creating a space for reflection, skill-building and long-term professional connection.
“Leadership is one of the most rewarding and most challenging parts of a journalist’s career, and often, one of the loneliest.”said Fernanda Camarena, an award-winning journalist and co-lead for Poynter Leadership Academy. “What we create in this academy is a space where people don’t have to carry that weight alone. Where they can be honest about the challenges of leadership, learn from one another, and learn the skills they need to lead with intention.”
Poynter will welcome the following participants to its 2026 Leadership Academy:
Billy Arnold, managing editor, Jackson Hole News&Guide Jeff Bidwell, news director, WPSD-TV Michelle Stark, food and dining editor, Tampa Bay Times Kate Bubacz, head of visuals, Rest of World Paul Byrne, deputy news director for Latin America and the Caribbean, The Associated Press Mary Agnes Carey, managing editor, KFF Health News David Cruz, deputy editor – politics, Newsday Madeline Faber, deputy editor of communities, Documented Jennifer Gode, director stats & analysis, ESPN/Disney Lizzy Hardison, director of product, News Revenue Hub Alyssa Katz, editor-in-chief, The Forward Emily Le Coz, executive editor-in-chief, Suncoast Searchlight Hadley Malcolm, managing editor, Axios Charity Nebbe, senior producer, host, Iowa Public Radio Sarah Rafi, deputy director, U.S. reporting teams, The Associated Press Roberta Rampton, White House news editor, The Associated Press Karen Ruiz, executive producer, NBC Universal Kurt Shillinger, managing editor, The Christian Science Monitor Erin Texeira, senior editor, director local journalism initiative, FRONTLINE PBS Christine Trudeau, managing editor, Underscore Native News