The School of Media and Public Affairs (SMPA) is pleased to welcome Joe Pounder and Liz Kelly Nelson as the 2025–2026 Terker Distinguished Fellows. Established by Bruce and Cindy Terker in 2010, parents of 2013 SMPA graduate Jennifer Terker, the Terker Distinguished Fellows in the Media and Public Affairs program brings exceptional professionals from the fields of media, political communication and public affairs to SMPA each academic year.
Joe Pounder
Joe Pounder is the Founder and CEO of Bullpen Strategy Group (BSG), an insights-focused public affairs and strategic advisory firm with offices in Washington, D.C., Dallas, and London. Under his leadership, BSG has served clients across diverse industries in the U.S. and abroad.
Prior to founding BSG, Pounder launched several successful communications and research groups and held senior roles in American politics and government. He served as a senior advisor to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s 2016 presidential campaign, Communications Director in Rubio’s U.S. Senate office, and Deputy Campaign Manager for his successful 2010 Senate race. He also served as Research Director and Deputy Communications Director at the Republican National Committee during the 2012 cycle, and previously worked with House Republican Whip Eric Cantor, Senator John McCain’s and Governor Mitt Romney’s 2008 presidential campaigns, and the White House Office of Communications under President George W. Bush.
Recognized nationally for his expertise in political communication and strategy, Pounder has been profiled by Campaign & Elections, The Washingtonian, GQ, Politico, and BuzzFeed. He is a graduate of the George Washington University and Gettysburg Area High School in Pennsylvania.
Liz Kelly Nelson
Liz Kelly Nelson is a leader in journalism innovation, dedicated to helping independent journalists and media creators thrive in today’s evolving media landscape. She is the founder of Project C, an initiative she launched during her 2024 Sulzberger Fellowship at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. Project C is designed to empower journalists to embrace new models, pursue sustainable revenue streams, and produce impactful work outside of traditional newsrooms.
Throughout her career, Nelson has worked across the journalism ecosystem, from leading newsroom teams to advising media startups and collaborating with major institutions. She has held leadership roles at Vox, USA Today, Gannett, and AOL, with expertise in newsroom management, digital strategy, and the creator economy. Her work reflects a deep commitment to ensuring the future of independent, sustainable journalism.
"The School of Media and Public Affairs is proud to welcome our two new outstanding Terker Fellows. Joe Pounder has shaped strategy at the highest levels of American politics and Liz Nelson is at the forefront of journalism innovation, helping independent reporters and creators build sustainable models for the future of news. Their insights will be invaluable to our students and I’m thrilled to have them join our community."
Peter Loge
SMPA Director
As Terker Fellows, Pounder and Nelson will share their expertise with SMPA students through classroom visits, public events, and one-on-one mentorship. Their unique perspectives—shaped by leadership at the highest levels of politics, public affairs, and journalism innovation—will enrich our community and provide students with invaluable opportunities to learn from leaders shaping today’s media and political environment.