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Category: Speakers

Nathan Crawford

NATHAN CRAWFORD

Executive Producer, 12 on Your Side, Alum 2015

Nathan Crawford is an Executive Producer at 12 On Your Side in Richmond, where he leads a team of producers and helps make newsroom editorial decisions. A WJMC alum and two-time staff member, Nathan is back at the Washington Journalism and Media Conference to share what he’s learned about building a career in journalism — and making smart, clear editorial calls under deadline. Before joining WWBT-TV, he worked at WAVY-TV 10 in Hampton Roads and interned at CNN, building experience across fast-paced newsrooms. He’s been recognized with an EMMY, a Virginia Association of Broadcasters (VAB) Award, and was named to the VAB Best of the Best Leadership cohort. Nathan also serves on the board of the Virginia Associated Press Broadcasters and stays active with George Mason University’s Department of Communication Insight Committee. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication with a concentration in Journalism from George Mason University and a master’s degree in Journalism and Media Studies from the University of Alabama.

NATHANIEL CRAWFORD

Executive Producer, 12 On Your Side, Alum 2015

Nathan Crawford is an Executive Producer at 12 On Your Side in Richmond, where he leads a team of producers and helps make newsroom editorial decisions. A WJMC alum and two-time staff member, Nathan is back at the Washington Journalism and Media Conference to share what he’s learned about building a career in journalism — and making smart, clear editorial calls under deadline. Before joining WWBT-TV, he worked at WAVY-TV 10 in Hampton Roads and interned at CNN, building experience across fast-paced newsrooms. He’s been recognized with an EMMY, a Virginia Association of Broadcasters (VAB) Award, and was named to the VAB Best of the Best Leadership cohort. Nathan also serves on the board of the Virginia Associated Press Broadcasters and stays active with George Mason University’s Department of Communication Insight Committee. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication with a concentration in Journalism from George Mason University and a master’s degree in Journalism and Media Studies from the University of Alabama.

Katie Russell

KATIE RUSSELL

Communication Specialist, Center for Climate Change Communication, George Mason University

Katie is the communication specialist at the George Mason Center for Climate Change Communication working primarily on website design and media outreach. She is an alumni of George Mason University with a B.S. in conservation biology and a focus on communicating science to inspire meaningful change. Katie is also an alumni of the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, VA where she worked with exotic endangered ungulates. She has conducted wet bulb temperature research to be used as a proxy to assess climate change hyperthermia risk in the Virgin Islands, as well as assisted on several ecological research surveys. Katie’s communication work has been featured by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and competed in national storytelling competitions. Hailing from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, she hopes to one day leverage her skills to protect the unique environments and improve quality of life in small island communities.

KATIE RUSSELL

Communication Specialist, Center for Climate Change Communication, George Mason University

Katie is the communication specialist at the George Mason Center for Climate Change Communication working primarily on website design and media outreach. She is an alumni of George Mason University with a B.S. in conservation biology and a focus on communicating science to inspire meaningful change. Katie is also an alumni of the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, VA where she worked with exotic endangered ungulates. She has conducted wet bulb temperature research to be used as a proxy to assess climate change hyperthermia risk in the Virgin Islands, as well as assisted on several ecological research surveys. Katie’s communication work has been featured by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and competed in national storytelling competitions. Hailing from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, she hopes to one day leverage her skills to protect the unique environments and improve quality of life in small island communities.

Maddy Ploger

MADDY PLOGER

Senior Marketing Manager, Freedom Forum

Maddy Ploger is the senior marketing manager at Freedom Forum, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to fostering First Amendment freedoms for all. She’s been with the organization for the past seven years – starting out at the Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue in the marketing department and evolving into managing email communications, advertising, branding campaigns, and design for Freedom Forum. She has been part of a multi-million dollar brand awareness campaign, launching a merchandise store, and the promotion and design of dozens of events, galas, and festivals — all striving for the Freedom Forum’s vision of an America where everyone knows, values, and defends the freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. 

A graduate of La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA, she earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations, advertising and communications and a master’s degree in professional business and communications. Maddy played Division 1 field hockey at La Salle during her four years there. In the past, she worked in sports marketing, promotions, and entertainment for La Salle Athletics, the Washington Nationals, and the Salem Red Sox.

MADDY PLOGER

Senior Marketing Manager, Freedom Forum

Maddy Ploger is the senior marketing manager at Freedom Forum, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to fostering First Amendment freedoms for all. She’s been with the organization for the past seven years – starting out at the Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue in the marketing department and evolving into managing email communications, advertising, branding campaigns, and design for Freedom Forum. She has been part of a multi-million dollar brand awareness campaign, launching a merchandise store, and the promotion and design of dozens of events, galas, and festivals — all striving for the Freedom Forum’s vision of an America where everyone knows, values, and defends the freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. 

A graduate of La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA, she earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations, advertising and communications and a master’s degree in professional business and communications. Maddy played Division 1 field hockey at La Salle during her four years there. In the past, she worked in sports marketing, promotions, and entertainment for La Salle Athletics, the Washington Nationals, and the Salem Red Sox.

Chris Cillizza

CHRIS CILLIZZA

Independent News Creator

Chris Cillizza is an independent news creator. He has more than 32,000 subscribers to his daily political newsletter — “So What” — on Substack and more than 100,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel. He hosts a show called “Politics Aside with Chris Cillizza” for the Monumental Sports Network. In it, Chris talks to some of the most powerful people in Washington about the sports they play, love and watch. He is a political analyst for NewsNation. He also contributes content to the Daily Beast and Noosphere. Prior to his career as an independent journalist, Chris spent more than 20 years in mainstream media — most recently for CNN and the Washington Post.

CHRIS CILLIZZA

Independent News Creator

Chris Cillizza is an independent news creator. He has more than 32,000 subscribers to his daily political newsletter — “So What” — on Substack and more than 100,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel. He hosts a show called “Politics Aside with Chris Cillizza” for the Monumental Sports Network. In it, Chris talks to some of the most powerful people in Washington about the sports they play, love and watch. He is a political analyst for NewsNation. He also contributes content to the Daily Beast and Noosphere. Prior to his career as an independent journalist, Chris spent more than 20 years in mainstream media — most recently for CNN and the Washington Post.

Hayley Salvatore

HAYLEY SALVATORE

Corporate Communications Assistant, Washington Capitals and Freelance Writer, Washington Commanders

Hayley Salvatore is a graduate of Georgetown University, earning a B.A. in English with a minor in Journalism— her true passion. In the past, she has worked for the Baltimore Ravens as an Editorial Intern, writing and editing stories about the team and its community events. She also covered high school sports such as golf, volleyball, ice hockey and gymnastics at The Washington Post as a Sports Reporter and News Aide. At Georgetown, Hayley acted as the Sports Editor of The Georgetown Voice, a student-run publication with a robust sports section. Before to joining The Voice, she worked as a sports columnist at another student-run publication, The Hoya. In addition to her involvement with student publications, Hayley worked remotely for Modern Luxury as an Editorial Intern, where she wrote lifestyle stories for the print and digital editions of the Aspen, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. magazines. An avid foodie, she also runs a blog on Instagram, @bitesbyh, where she documents the Washington D.C. food scene.

HAYLEY SALVATORE

Corporate Communications Assistant, Washington Capitals and Freelance Writer, Washington Commanders

Hayley Salvatore is a graduate of Georgetown University, earning a B.A. in English with a minor in Journalism— her true passion. In the past, she has worked for the Baltimore Ravens as an Editorial Intern, writing and editing stories about the team and its community events. She also covered high school sports such as golf, volleyball, ice hockey and gymnastics at The Washington Post as a Sports Reporter and News Aide. At Georgetown, Hayley acted as the Sports Editor of The Georgetown Voice, a student-run publication with a robust sports section. Before to joining The Voice, she worked as a sports columnist at another student-run publication, The Hoya. In addition to her involvement with student publications, Hayley worked remotely for Modern Luxury as an Editorial Intern, where she wrote lifestyle stories for the print and digital editions of the Aspen, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. magazines. An avid foodie, she also runs a blog on Instagram, @bitesbyh, where she documents the Washington D.C. food scene.

Bryan West

BRYAN WEST

Taylor Swift Reporter, USA TODAY

Bryan West is the Taylor Swift reporter for USA TODAY. The Nashville-based journalist covers the superstar extensively including her economic impact, business acumen, entertainment industry moves and record shattering feats. He’s written more than 400 articles and a book on the Eras Tour, made more than 50 appearances on national television and shot and edited a documentary on Swift’s two-billion dollar concert. Bryan graduated from Northwestern University and worked as a broadcast journalist for almost a decade before joining the Gannett Network. He’s won a duPont, a Murrow and two Emmys. 

BRYAN WEST

Taylor Swift Reporter, USA TODAY

Bryan West is the Taylor Swift reporter for USA TODAY. The Nashville-based journalist covers the superstar extensively including her economic impact, business acumen, entertainment industry moves and record shattering feats. He’s written more than 400 articles and a book on the Eras Tour, made more than 50 appearances on national television and shot and edited a documentary on Swift’s two-billion dollar concert. Bryan graduated from Northwestern University and worked as a broadcast journalist for almost a decade before joining the Gannett Network. He’s won a duPont, a Murrow and two Emmys. 

Jordan Orris

JORDAN ORRIS

Integrated Marketing Communications Specialist, Northrop Grumman

Jordan Orris is an integrated marketing communications specialist at Northrop Grumman, where she supports the company’s tactical and hypersonic missile portfolio. A 2011 WJMC alumna, she earned her B.S. in Brand Marketing and New Media Journalism from Auburn University and an M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Mississippi. Her background spans political marketing, crisis communications, and leadership development. Ensign Orris recently commissioned into the U.S. Navy Reserve as a Public Affairs Officer. Her first duty station is CHINFO-NR, the Reserve Component of the Navy Chief of Information, at the Pentagon.

JORDAN ORRIS

Integrated Marketing Communications Specialist, Northrop Grumman

Jordan Orris is an integrated marketing communications specialist at Northrop Grumman, where she supports the company’s tactical and hypersonic missile portfolio. A 2011 WJMC alumna, she earned her B.S. in Brand Marketing and New Media Journalism from Auburn University and an M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Mississippi. Her background spans political marketing, crisis communications, and leadership development. Ensign Orris recently commissioned into the U.S. Navy Reserve as a Public Affairs Officer. Her first duty station is CHINFO-NR, the Reserve Component of the Navy Chief of Information, at the Pentagon.

Sasha Ingber

SASHA INGBER

Host of SpyCast, International Spy Museum's Podcast and Founder of HUMINT

Sasha Ingber is the host of the International Spy Museum’s podcast, SpyCast. It’s the country’s first podcast on spying, and Sasha is the first journalist to be its host. She is also the founder of HUMINT, where she tells human stories that intersect with the intelligence and national security community.

Sasha was previously the national security correspondent for national TV network Scripps News, covering the wars in Ukraine and Israel/Gaza, the fall of Afghanistan, the Jan. 6 riot, and many other major events of our time. Her reporting shed light on events and places often shrouded in secrecy, from taking viewers inside a Chinese police station hidden above a ramen shop in New York to a covert unit inside Russia’s domestic security service which targets Americans abroad. Her reporting was featured on CNN, PBS NewsHour, MSNBC, and The History Channel.

She was also a reporter at NPR, National Geographic, and Smithsonian. A Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting grantee, she has reported from such places as Ukraine, Iraq, Cuba, and Qatar. She has contributed to such publications as The Washington Post and The Atlantic. She holds a Master’s degree in writing from Johns Hopkins University. Before starting a career in journalism, she worked at the U.S. State Department, countering Russian disinformation after Russia illegally seized Crimea.

SASHA INGBER

Host of SpyCast, International Spy Museum's Podcast and Founder of HUMINT​

Sasha Ingber is the host of the International Spy Museum’s podcast, SpyCast. It’s the country’s first podcast on spying, and Sasha is the first journalist to be its host. She is also the founder of HUMINT, where she tells human stories that intersect with the intelligence and national security community.

Sasha was previously the national security correspondent for national TV network Scripps News, covering the wars in Ukraine and Israel/Gaza, the fall of Afghanistan, the Jan. 6 riot, and many other major events of our time. Her reporting shed light on events and places often shrouded in secrecy, from taking viewers inside a Chinese police station hidden above a ramen shop in New York to a covert unit inside Russia’s domestic security service which targets Americans abroad. Her reporting was featured on CNN, PBS NewsHour, MSNBC, and The History Channel.

She was also a reporter at NPR, National Geographic, and Smithsonian. A Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting grantee, she has reported from such places as Ukraine, Iraq, Cuba, and Qatar. She has contributed to such publications as The Washington Post and The Atlantic. She holds a Master’s degree in writing from Johns Hopkins University. Before starting a career in journalism, she worked at the U.S. State Department, countering Russian disinformation after Russia illegally seized Crimea.

Kalea Perez

KALEA PEREZ

Consultant, Guidehouse

Kalea Perez is a healthcare consultant at Guidehouse, a Virginia-based firm for businesses and government entities, where she has spent the last three years supporting high-profile federal clients including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). Specializing in strategic communications and project management, Kalea helps agencies drive mission-aligned initiatives and communicate complex goals with impact across our nation’s most prestigious healthcare offices.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies from the College of Charleston in 2022 and currently resides just minutes from campus with her dogs Winni and Goose.

A proud alum of the Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC), Kalea attended in 2016, served on the Youth Advisory Board in 2017, and returned as an Advance Team member in 2019. Her journey from student to speaker reflects her passion for mentorship, public service, and the power of storytelling in shaping meaningful change

KALEA PEREZ

Consultant, Guidehouse

Kalea Perez is a healthcare consultant at Guidehouse, a Virginia-based firm for businesses and government entities, where she has spent the last three years supporting high-profile federal clients including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). Specializing in strategic communications and project management, Kalea helps agencies drive mission-aligned initiatives and communicate complex goals with impact across our nation’s most prestigious healthcare offices.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies from the College of Charleston in 2022 and currently resides just minutes from campus with her dogs Winni and Goose.

A proud alum of the Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC), Kalea attended in 2016, served on the Youth Advisory Board in 2017, and returned as an Advance Team member in 2019. Her journey from student to speaker reflects her passion for mentorship, public service, and the power of storytelling in shaping meaningful change

Tyler Byrum

Tyler Byrum

Digital Content Specialist, Monumental Sports Network

Tyler Byrum covers the Washington Mystics, D.C.’s women’s basketball team, for Monumental Sports Network. He also provides daily written, digital, audio, video and on-air content to be used across Monumental’s various platforms. Tyler is a two-time graduate of George Mason University (B.A. 2016, M.A. 2019) and helped develop the sports broadcasting program. He is also a freelance play-by-play commentator for Mid-Atlantic area colleges and semi-professional teams.