Awards & Leadership
My expertise in news leadership, innovation, audio/video, and social media marketing has played a pivotal role in my success, demonstrating my steadfast commitment to excellence in modern journalism.
Poynter welcomes five new members to National Advisory Board
The accomplished journalists and media executives will advise Poynter on industry needs and opportunities. Hollis Towns joins a group of respected thought leaders who offer guidance and innovative ideas to help Poynter fulfill its mission of strengthening democracy by inspiring and advocating for the future of journalism.
Recent Honors & Awards
Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) Award, 2025
APSE recognized AL.com for its feature coverage of the University of Alabama football program, recognizing reporters’ in-depth analysis and storytelling.
Society of American Business Editors and Writers (SABEW) Best in Business Award, 2025
AL.com was recognized for exceptional coverage of local economic developments and insightful reporting on business and economic matters.
Alabama Press Association, 2024
AL.com was recognized in June 2024 with 37 awards for coverage of sports, criminal justice, commentary and video. Judges for the 2024 Alabama Press Association Media Awards gave AL.com first-place honors in several categories, including Best Local Coverage, Best Economic Coverage, and Best Education Coverage.
Industry Awards & Leadership
National Advisory Board Member
Poynter Institute for Media Studies
(2025-Present)
Poynter Journalism Prizes, Judge
(2024, 2025)
National Career Coach
NABJ Leadership Mentoring Program
(2024-Present)
Executive Sponsor
Gannett's Black Forward Employees Resource Group
(2022-2023)
New Jersey Press Association Board of Directors
(2020-2023)
City University of New York
Senior Advisory Panel for Diversity Leadership
(2018-2023)
ASNE Board of Directors (2016-2019)
Co-chair, Diversity Committee
Pulitzer Prize Juror
Local News (2018, 2009) | Public Service Journalism (2008)
City University of New York
Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism
Senior Advisory Panel for Diversity Leadership
(2018-2022)
Maynard 200 Mentor, USC-Annenberg (2018)
Gannett On Point Diversity Leadership (2017)
McGruder Award for Diversity & Inclusion Leadership
Award Recipient (2016)
Associated Press Media Editors
Board Member (2005-2012)
President (2012)
APME Foundation Chairman (2013-2014)
McGruder Award-Diversity Leadership (2016)
Rutgers University (2019)
Innovation Lab, Board Member