This year’s institute is made possible by the generosity of the Estate of Gloria L. Negri, Boston University, the Academy of New England Journalists and the Rhode Island Foundation. We would also like to thank the following Leadership Circle donors and Major Supporters for their contributions: The Boston Globe, The Harbus Foundation, Paul and Ann Sagan, The Robertson Foundation, the Champa Charitable Foundation and Hearst Connecticut Media Group.

Erin O’Mara believes local journalism is essential — not just for democracy, but for our sense of belonging. Living in Maine, counting on local news for information and working with newsrooms across New England, she’s seen firsthand how trusted, independent news helps neighbors become a community — and how fragile that ecosystem can be. That’s why she, with the help of her team, launched Journalism New England in 2025. Journalism New England provides tailored support — from sustainability planning to hands-on coaching and training — because every community deserves strong, credible news. O’Mara’s career bridges journalism, nonprofit development, and media turnaround. As President of The Nation, she spun off its educational initiatives into a new nonprofit, The Nation Fund for Independent Journalism, where she also served as founding Executive Director and launched the Fellowship for the Future of Journalism, a two-year paid program that expands access for students from underrepresented backgrounds.Erin writes a monthly column for the Harpswell Anchor and co-edited Alive to This, an award-winning collection of essays from Maine writers. Throughout her work, she’s sought to make journalism more inclusive, resilient, and connected to the people it serves.