A New Era for the Fourth Estate: Nicole DeCriscio Sworn In as the 110th National President of the Society of Professional Journalists

COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a historic passing of the torch that bridges more than a century of journalistic tradition with the turbulent realities of the modern media landscape, Nicole DeCriscio was officially sworn in today as the 110th national president of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ).

The inauguration ceremony, held during the high-profile President’s Reception at SPJ26 in Columbus, Ohio, marks a significant milestone for the organization. DeCriscio steps into the role succeeding outgoing President Chris R. Vaccaro, having spent the previous year serving as the organization’s national vice president.

DeCriscio’s ascension to the presidency carries a unique historical resonance. A proud graduate of DePauw University—universally recognized as the birthplace of SPJ—she makes history as the first-ever DePauw alumna to lead the organization at the national level. Her lifelong dedication to the craft, extensive organizational leadership, and deep roots in both traditional and emerging models of local journalism position her to guide the nation’s premier journalism advocacy group through an era of profound transformation.

Main Facts

The transition of leadership at SPJ26 brings to the forefront a seasoned journalist and dedicated advocate who has spent over a decade within the folds of the organization.

• The Leadership Transition: Nicole DeCriscio officially assumed the presidency from outgoing leader Chris R. Vaccaro during the SPJ26 conference in Columbus, Ohio.
• Historic Milestone: DeCriscio is a graduate of DePauw University, making her the first alumnus from the birthplace of SPJ to hold the national presidency.
• Core Agenda: In her inaugural address, DeCriscio outlined a focused platform centered on defending press freedom, strengthening the operational and financial systems of the organization, fostering inclusivity across chapters, and deepening professional connections among members.
• Professional Background: A versatile media professional, DeCriscio is a freelance journalist, the founder of the Sweet Owen Current, and a veteran reporter, photographer, designer, and editor whose career spans multiple newsrooms across Indiana and Utah.

Chronology: From Student Member to National President

DeCriscio’s journey to the helm of the Society of Professional Journalists is a testament to sustained engagement, grassroots leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the watchdog role of the press.

2012–2013: Formative Beginnings

DeCriscio’s trajectory in journalism began to crystallize when she was named a Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipient in 2012, setting the stage for her higher education at DePauw University. Demonstrating an early passion for the field, she joined SPJ as a student member in 2013, plunging headfirst into the culture of high ethical standards and professional camaraderie that the association champions.

Early Career and Newsroom Roots

Over the following years, DeCriscio built a robust, hands-on portfolio in local journalism. She worked across various editorial capacities—serving as a reporter, photographer, designer, and editor for traditional newspapers in both Indiana and Utah. Recognizing the shifting tides of the industry, she later transitioned into nonprofit media, serving as the founding executive editor of a nonprofit local newspaper. In this capacity, she was instrumental in establishing institutional governance and steering daily editorial operations, all while launching her own independent venture, the Sweet Owen Current. Her exceptional reporting did not go unnoticed; she has earned multiple accolades from the SPJ Indiana Chapter’s “Best in Indiana Journalism” awards, including a prestigious first-place finish for feature writing in 2025.

Rising Through SPJ Leadership Ranks

Parallel to her newsroom endeavors, DeCriscio steadily climbed the leadership ladder within SPJ. Her service spans multiple tiers of the organization:

• Local Level: Active participation on the SPJ Florida Pro Chapter Board of Directors.
• Regional Level: Serving as the SPJ Region 5 coordinator and leading the Regional Coordinator Caucus.
• National Level: Holding a seat as an at-large director on the SPJ National Board of Directors and serving on the board of the SPJ Freelance Community.

Her election as national vice president paved the way for her current elevation to the presidency at SPJ26, cementing a decade-and-a-half-long commitment to institutional stewardship.

Supporting Data and Organizational Context

To understand the weight of DeCriscio’s presidency, one must examine the institutional framework and historical data that define the Society of Professional Journalists.

Founded on April 17, 1909, at DePauw University—originally under the name Sigma Delta Chi—SPJ has evolved into the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization. It is dedicated to promoting the public right to know, encouraging high ethical standards, and fiercely defending First Amendment guarantees.

• Membership Demographics: SPJ represents thousands of members spanning professional newsrooms, digital-first startups, broadcast outlets, academic institutions, and a rapidly expanding community of independent and freelance journalists.
• Financial and Operational Scope: As media business models continue to fracture and pivot, SPJ maintains multiple vital funds designed to support the industry, including the Legal Defense Fund (LDF), the First Amendment Forever Fund, and the SPJ Foundation.
• Awards and Recognition: Through programs like the Sigma Delta Chi Awards and regional competitions, the society evaluates and honors the highest echelons of investigative, feature, and visual journalism annually.
• DePauw Legacy: DePauw University’s historic connection to SPJ remains a point of institutional pride. The original ten founders envisioned an organization that would elevate journalism from a trade to a respected, rigorous profession bound by a strict code of ethics. DeCriscio’s presidency marks the first time an alumnus from these hallowed halls has taken the organization’s highest office.

Official Responses and Inaugural Vision

Addressing a packed room of journalists, educators, and industry leaders during the President’s Reception, DeCriscio delivered a speech that tied the idealistic sparks of 1909 to the stark realities of 2026.

Drawing a direct line from the ten founding students at DePauw to the modern media workforce, she emphasized that the fundamental struggles of the profession remain unchanged, even as the delivery mechanisms evolve.

"The courage of those 10 students reminds us that we can meet this moment by standing together and holding ourselves to professional standards," DeCriscio declared during her inaugural address. "It is our commitment to these things that give us and our work credibility."

In an era characterized by widespread disinformation, corporate consolidation of newsrooms, precarious economic models for independent publishers, and increasingly aggressive legal and political attacks on working journalists, DeCriscio’s platform offers a clear roadmap. She identified four primary pillars for her presidential tenure:

1. Defending Press Freedom: Combating legislative overreach, protecting open records laws, and standing firmly behind reporters facing harassment or legal intimidation.
2. Strengthening Member Connections: Enhancing communication and collaboration across local chapters, regional networks, and specialized caucuses—such as the Freelance Community.
3. Fostering Inclusivity: Cultivating a welcoming, diverse organization that reflects the communities journalists strive to cover.
4. Institutional Sustainability: Fortifying SPJ’s internal financial systems and administrative infrastructure to ensure the organization remains a resilient bulwark for years to come.

Reflecting on the profound responsibility entrusted to her, DeCriscio shared a personal sentiment with the membership:

"I feel deeply connected to SPJ’s long history and humbled to have a chance to help carry it forward."

She brought her remarks to a close with a rallying cry designed to unify a fractured industry:

"Let’s lead boldly, connect deeply and sustain SPJ’s future together."

Implications for the Future of Journalism

DeCriscio’s ascension to the presidency arrives at a critical crossroads for the fourth estate. The implications of her leadership extend far beyond internal association governance, touching upon broader trends in media survival, ethics, and advocacy.

The Rise of the Independent and Non-Profit Journalist

As traditional legacy newsrooms continue to downsize through persistent layoffs and buyouts, the landscape is increasingly populated by independent freelancers and mission-driven local non-profits—precisely the ecosystem from which DeCriscio hails. Having founded the Sweet Owen Current and served as an executive editor for a nonprofit local news startup, DeCriscio brings vital, firsthand empathy and strategic insight to the economic vulnerabilities facing modern reporters. Under her leadership, SPJ is uniquely positioned to advocate for the financial and legal protections required by the growing contingent workforce of journalism.

Rebuilding Public Trust Through Rigorous Ethics

Public trust in the media hovers at historically delicate levels, making SPJ’s core mission—the enforcement and promotion of the SPJ Code of Ethics—more critical than ever. DeCriscio’s emphasis on professional standards as the bedrock of credibility serves as a direct counter-narrative to sensationalism and politically motivated attacks on the press. By championing transparency, accuracy, and accountability, her administration aims to reinforce why verified journalism remains essential to a functioning democracy.

A Call to Action for the Next Generation

SPJ continues to operate as a vital training ground for emerging professionals through campus chapters, mentorship initiatives, and skill-building workshops. By tracing her own journey from a 2013 student member to the national president, DeCriscio provides a living blueprint for the next generation of reporters. Her presidency signals to young journalists that active engagement within professional societies yields tangible agency in shaping the future of the industry.

As SPJ26 concludes and DeCriscio steps into her historic role, the Society of Professional Journalists reaffirms its foundational promise: to champion those who seek the truth, protect the public’s right to know, and ensure that the voice of independent journalism remains strong, clear, and unyielding.

SPJ champions journalists by recognizing outstanding achievement, fighting to protect press freedom, promoting high ethical standards, and educating new generations of emerging professionals. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know by becoming an SPJ member and contributing to the Legal Defense Fund, the First Amendment Forever Fund, or the SPJ Foundation.