The National Press Club Journalism Institute (NPCJI), the National Press Club's non-profit affiliate, has named William McCarren to serve as Interim Executive Director effective immediately.

McCarren, who currently is Executive Director of the National Press Club, will serve both roles concurrently until the Institute selects a new Executive Director to replace Julie Schoo who passed away earlier this year.

"Bill McCarren has successfully led the National Press Club as it's Executive Director for the last decade and worked very closely with our late colleague and friend Julie Schoo," said Barbara Cochran, President of the NPCJI Board. "He has a deep understanding of the Institute's mission and goals and has been a strong voice in support of press freedom worldwide. As the institute heads into its busiest season, we are grateful to be able to call on Bill's invaluable experience and knowledge for guidance."

The Institute will hold its three biggest events of the year back-to-back this fall, beginning first with the NPC "Press vs. Politicians" Spelling Bee on Sept. 27, and closely followed by the Book Fair & Authors' Night on Nov. 2 and the annual Fourth Estate Award Gala on Nov. 29. Proceeds from these events support the nonprofit's primary activities, including programming and initiatives designed in defense of press freedom, training for news professionals, and scholarships for the next generation of journalists.

About the NPCJI The National Press Club Journalism Institute is the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club, and provides innovative, practical training to journalists and communications professionals. It offers a broad range of professional development programs focusing on high standards, ethical conduct and best practices in a rapidly changing media environment. In addition, the Institute strives to shine a light on barriers to press freedom in the U.S. and abroad and works to leverage the National Press Club's unique presence and resources to highlight global press freedom issues.

About William McCarren McCarren has served as the Executive Director of the National Press Club since 2007. He has led businesses in DC for more than 30 years. He was the Founder and CEO of U.S Newswire from 1986-2006. In addition to service to both the board of the National Press Club and the NPCJI, McCarren serves on the board of the World Affairs Council-DC and recently joined the advisory board of Reporters Without Borders.