The Washington Journalism and Media Conference

Richard Todd Stafford

RICHARD TODD STAFFORD

Director of Communications, Honors College, George Mason University

Richard Todd Stafford is the Director of Communications in the Honors College at George Mason University. The Honors College gives the most motivated undergraduate students from all majors and backgrounds the support that inspires them to pursue their curiosity and undertake meaningful civic engagement and experiential learning opportunities. Dr. Stafford mentors and supervises the Honors College Communication team. Dr. Stafford has written, spoken, and taught extensively about cultural dimensions of climate change, energy, and the environment, including on the “Capitalism, Climate, and Culture” podcast, in the media, and at @richardtoddstafford on Instagram.

Maggie Yanchulis

MAGGIE YANCHULIS

Social Media Manager, Washington Commanders

Maggie Yanchulis is the Social Media Manager for the Washington Commanders. She graduated from George Mason University in 2021 with a degree in Sport Management. She previously worked at Caesars Sportsbook and Major League Baseball, and has interned for Special Olympics and the Washington Spirit. She was raised in Northern Virginia with her three sisters and all have a deep love for DC sports teams – even during losing seasons. She gained a passion for social media by starting a Washington Nationals fan twitter account in high school, honoring her favorite Nat, Ryan Zimmerman.

Patty See

PATTY SEE

Freelance TV Producer

Patty See is a freelance television producer at ABC in Washington, D.C., covering general interest news stories. Previously she worked at German public broadcaster ZDF, Al Jazeera, and Fox News Channel, where she covered the Clinton and Bush White Houses. She holds a BA in English literature from George Mason University.

Nicholas Johnston

NICHOLAS JOHNSTON

Publisher, Axios

Nicholas Johnston is the Publisher of Axios, where he focuses primarily on Axios Pro and other major newsroom initiatives. Previously, he was Axios’ editor-in-chief where he led the entire Axios newsroom and the launch of Axios Local. Nick was previously managing editor at Bloomberg where he oversaw newsletters and breaking news coverage in Washington. He also served as a reporter for Bloomberg where he covered the White House, Capitol Hill and the 2008 presidential campaign. Nick began his journalism career at The Washington Post.

Abigail Lindsay

ABIGAIL LINDSAY

Junior Faculty Advisor

Abigail Lindsay is a rising senior at Elizabethtown College, majoring in Journalism with minors in Political Science and Graphic Design. Lindsay has a strong passion for broadcast news as she holds the position of Station Manager for ECTV-40, the college’s student-run TV station. In addition, she enjoys getting to be a part of student government as she serves as the President for the senior class. Lindsay recently served as an intern for the PA Department of Agriculture, covering the PA Farm Show and will be returning as an intern for the 2024 Farm Show. She attended WJMC in 2019 and is excited to return as a Junior Faculty Advisor and help foster this year’s attendees’ love of journalism!

Courtney Knapp

COURTNEY KNAPP

Advance Team Member

Courtney Knapp is a Senior Event Coordinator in the Office of Admissions at George Mason University.  She started with the Office of Admissions in December 2022. She received her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from North Greenville University in 2012, and her M.A. in History of Decorative Arts from George Mason University in 2016. In her free time, Courtney enjoys working out, traveling, and spending time with her spouse and their dogs.

Jalen Stephens

JALEN STEPHENS

Advance Team Member

Jalen Stephens is a sophomore at George Mason University majoring in business concentrating in marketing minoring in international business. Jalen is heavily involved on campus from working at the financial aid office, being a Mason Ambassador, and being involved in Greek Life at Mason. He is looking forward to working with the WJMC team and expanding his professional background.

Syeda Anas

SYEDA ANAS

Junior Faculty Advisor

Syeda Anas is originally from Madison New Jersey and is currently pursing a degree in undergraduate Law at Suffolk University in Boston. She was a part of WJMC in 2021, and the memories she made are so special, she couldn’t resist applying to be a junior faculty advisor to experience the magic of this program again- from the other side this time! Syeda is so excited to meet the new members of WJMC, along with seeing familiar faces of returning peers! Aside from being a barista and a student in Boston, Syeda loves to dedicate her time as an avid consumer of journalism and all things Washington DC She is extremely passionate about WJMC and all that it offers! Syeda can’t wait to see you at the conference!

Marc Goldstein

MARC GOLDSTEIN

Junior Faculty Advisor

Marc Goldstein is a WJMC alumni from 2021. He gained so much from his time at the conference including some amazing networking opportunities, professional skills, and some awesome friends and memories. As a Junior Faculty Advisor, he hopes to facilitate some of the same formative memories from WJMC for this year’s correspondents. Marc currently attends Ohio University and is a journalism major. He has a passion for sports journalism and aspires to work
at a major newspaper after graduation.

Paul Urban

PAUL URBAN

Advance Team Member

Paul Urban is a junior at Virginia Tech and studies Business with concentrations in Cybersecurity and Entrepreneurship. He is from Fairfax Station and is excited to work at George Mason this summer! Paul served as a lifeguard and worked at Cava while in high school. Besides school and work, Paul enjoys traveling and spending time with this family. He is excited to experience the summer programs and get to know the students and staff.