National Council

The National Council for Media and Public Affairs is the director's advisory body for SMPA.

Comprised of distinguished alumni and friends, the Council works to address issues impacting the growth and development of SMPA. In addition, members help to promote the mission of the George Washington University and SMPA through their work on the Council. Members serve on a volunteer basis, typically for three­-year terms.

If you are interested in more information about the National Council, please contact Brendon Smith at [email protected].


Current Members

Nana Agyemang, BA '16

Founder & CEO Every Stylish Girl

Judi Allen
Judi Allen

SVP, (retired) Client Solutions Nielsen Holdings

John Barth
John Barth

CEO Creative Media LLC

Dana Bash
Dana Bash, BA '93, HON '22

Anchor & Chief Political Correspondent, CNN

Mollie Bowman
Mollie Bowman, BA '16, MA '17

Managing Director of Living Links

A'Lelia Bundles
A'Lelia Bundles

Author and Journalist

Zinhle Essamuah
Zinhle Essamuah, BA '15, MA '17

Emmy-nominated journalist and filmmaker, and the co-anchor of NBC News Daily

Frank Fahrenkopf
Frank Fahrenkopf

Co-Chairman, Commission on Presidential Debates

Sam Feist

DC Bureau Chief & Sr. Vice President, CNN

Jade Floyd
Jade Floyd

Lecturer

Hadas Gold
Hadas Gold, BA 10, MA '12

Reporter, European Politics, Media & Business, CNN

Kathryn Green
Kathy Green, BA '17, P'15

Literary Agent, The Kathryn Green Literary Agency

Claritza Jiménez, BA '05

Senior Producer, Politco Live

Alt Text
Phillip I. Kent

Former CEO, Turner Broadcasting

Aaron Kwittken
Aaron Kwittken, BA '92

Founder & CEO, Prophet

Heather Moran, BA '95

Vice Chair, NCMPA Executive Director, Sixth & I

Reena Ninan
Reena Ninan, BA '01

Founder, Good Trouble Productions

Howard Opinsky
Howard Opinsky, BA '91

Managing Director, S-3 Group

Ted Segal
Ted Segal, BA '03

Founder and President, EJS Group

Susan Smirnoff
Susan Smirnoff, BA '74, P'09

Communications Consultant

Carol A. Smith
Carol A. Smith, BA '71

Senior Vice President and Publishing Director, The Fashion Group

Andrew Springer
Andrew Springer, BA '09

Founder and CEO, NOTICE News

Chuck Todd, ATT '91-'94, HON '18

Political Director, Moderator NBC Universal Media

Scott Widmeyer
Scott Widmeyer

Chair, NCMPA Founder & Managing Partner, Widmeyer Communication


Emeriti Members

Char Beales, BA '73

President & CEO (retired) Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing

Berl Brechner
Berl Brechner, BA '68

Journalist & Photographer

Gillman
Joan Gillman, MA '91

Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Media Services

Barbara Bradley Hagerty

Author and Journalist

Paul Wilson
Paul O. Wilson

Chairman & CEO, Wilson Grand Communications