WASHINGTON — August 20, 2026 — The American Journalism Project today announced the appointment of Margaret Hoover, journalist and host of PBS’s “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover,” and Andrea Mitchell, NBC News chief Washington correspondent and chief foreign affairs correspondent, to its board of directors.
The American Journalism Project board brings together leaders from journalism, philanthropy, business, technology and civic life to help guide the organization’s work to build a sustainable future for local news. Since launching in 2019, the American Journalism Project has raised more than $270 million and invested in 58 nonprofit local news organizations. Its portfolio serves 105 communities across 38 states and Puerto Rico.
“We’re delighted to welcome Margaret and Andrea to the board,” said Irving Washington, chair of the American Journalism Project’s board of directors. “Across the country, a new generation of nonprofit news organizations is showing what’s possible when communities have strong, sustainable sources of local news. Margaret and Andrea understand the importance of that mission, and their leadership will help us support these organizations as they grow and deepen their impact.”
Hoover hosts PBS’s “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover,” where she leads long-form interviews exploring the political, cultural, economic, and global issues shaping public life. She has served in the White House under President George W. Bush, at the Department of Homeland Security, on Capitol Hill, and on two presidential campaigns. She is president of the American Unity Fund and serves on the boards of Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, the Hoover Presidential Foundation, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and the Belgian American Educational Foundation.
“Local news has a direct impact on the lives of Americans. It builds trust within communities, holds institutions and leaders accountable, and gives citizens a common set of facts about the places we call home,” said Hoover. “I’m honored to join the American Journalism Project’s board in support of its proven model for building sustainable local news organizations that fund rigorous reporting and strengthen the fabric of American society.”
Mitchell, a veteran political journalist, has covered every presidential campaign since 1980 and has reported on the White House, Congress, the State Department and major international conflicts for decades. Her career has been recognized with honors including the 2025 Peabody Career Achievement Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the News & Documentary Emmy Awards.
“Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand how essential strong journalism is to an informed public,” said Mitchell. “That begins at the local level, where reporters are closest to the issues that shape people’s lives. I’m proud to join the American Journalism Project’s board and support its mission to strengthen local news for communities across the country.”
AJP’s investments have helped news organizations build stronger, more sustainable businesses; the first 28 organizations in its portfolio increased their annual revenue by a combined $53 million following the close of their grants. The appointments of Hoover and Mitchell further strengthen the board’s expertise as the organization continues to expand its impact.
“Margaret and Andrea bring extraordinary experience, thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to the role that trusted news plays in people’s lives,” said Sarabeth Berman, CEO of the American Journalism Project. “As we continue to invest in local news across the country, their perspectives will help guide our work and strengthen our ability to serve communities for years to come.”
In addition to Hoover and Mitchell, the American Journalism Project’s current board of directors includes:
- Rosental Alves, Professor, Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas, University of Texas at Austin
- Jim Brady, Principal, Spirited Media Consulting
- Jelani Cobb, Dean and Henry R. Luce Professor of Journalism, Columbia Journalism School
- Jeff Cohen, Senior Advisor, Journalism, Arnold Ventures
- Michelle De La Isla, Former Mayor, City of Topeka, Kan.
- Teresa Gorman, Associate Director, Reimagine and Rebuild, Democracy Fund
- Peter Lattman, Managing Director, Media, Emerson Collective
- Amalie Nash, Vice President of Journalism, Knight Foundation
- Joe Natoli, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Baptist Health South Florida
- Hilary Schneider, CEO, SimpliSafe
- Maria Thomas, Co-Founder & CEO, Sunday Health
- Irving Washington. SVP and Executive Director, Health Information and Trust Initiative, KFF
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Media Contact: Roshni Neslage, Head of Communications, American Journalism Project, 954-526-1565
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About the American Journalism Project
The American Journalism Project is the first venture philanthropy organization dedicated to local news. We make catalytic investments in nonprofit news organizations and partner with communities to launch new outlets. Since 2019, we’ve invested in dozens of local news outlets, providing them with capital, strategic guidance and operational expertise to grow their reach and impact. By strengthening and scaling a sustainable field of local news organizations, we are working to ensure that people have access to the trusted, independent local journalism they need to participate in civic life.