Emily Wilkins

On December 1, Emily Wilkins, Michigan State University alum and Washington correspondent at CNBC, was elected as the 117th president of the National Press Club, pledging to continue the Club's fight for journalists who are unjustly held in the United States and around the world.

“We've already done a lot with press freedom, we're going to continue those efforts,” Wilkins said in her speech in the Reliable Source after the results were announced.

Wilkins pledged to continue the efforts of outgoing President Eileen O'Reilly, who she said focused on diversity, inclusion, making people feel more welcome at the Club and helping them better understand what the Club has to offer.

O'Reilly commented, “Emily has been active in leadership at the National Press Club for many years now, and I have every confidence she will be a fantastic president with sharp ideas on engaging our membership, driving new important efforts on press freedom, and continuing to strengthen the Club’s presence as a leader and a community for all journalists and communicators.”

At CNBC, Wilkins covers Congress, key regulatory issues and policies that impact American businesses and the economy.

Prior to CNBC, Wilkins, an award-winning journalist, served as a reporter for Bloomberg Government, where she covered breaking news coming out of Washington and Congress with a focus on House leadership. She previously reported on education and labor for both Bloomberg Government and CQ Roll Call.

Wilkins graduated from Michigan State with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science. Prior to becoming President of the National Press Club, she served as Vice President of the organization.