Liz Kelly Nelson, a journalist, media strategist and founder of Project C, and Joe Pounder, B.A. ’05, the founder and CEO of Bullpen Strategy Group, are the 2025–2026 Terker Distinguished Fellows at the School of Media and Public Affairs.
The Terker Distinguished Fellows program brings accomplished leaders in media, political communication and public affairs to George Washington University each year. The fellowship was established in 2010 by Bruce Terker and Cindy Terker, parents of 2013 SMPA graduate Jennifer Terker.
During their time at GW, Pounder and Nelson will work closely with SMPA students throughout the academic year, offering insights about what it is like working in media and politics during a time of rapid change and the unique challenges that brings.
As the founder of Project C, Nelson helps independent journalists and media creators find ways to create meaningful work outside of traditional newsrooms as they navigate and adapt to today’s media environment.
Project C empowers journalists to embrace new models and work across platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Substack to grow audiences and generate revenue. The goal is to help creators build sustainable business models that will support impactful journalism. Nelson launched the initiative during her 2024 Sulzberger Fellowship at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.
One of the main things Nelson is looking forward to doing as a Terker fellow is engaging with the next generation of journalists at GW.
“I’m excited about GW’s home in the heart of Washington, D.C., where media, politics and policy intersect,” Nelson said. “It’s the ideal place to explore the future of information and messaging, and I’m looking forward to engaging with students who are preparing to enter the field at such a pivotal moment.”
Throughout her career, Nelson has held leadership roles at newsrooms including Vox, USA Today, Gannett and AOL. She has worked across digital strategy, newsroom management and media innovation.
Something Nelson hopes to convey to GW students preparing for careers in the media is the importance of building a presence early and experimenting with new ways to connect with audiences.
“My biggest advice is to start building your brand and your following now,” Nelson said. “Whether you ultimately work at a traditional news organization or launch your own audience-facing project, having an established presence and a direct connection to your audience will serve you well.”
Nelson said she hopes to use her time at GW to help students think critically about the future of journalism, and how they might shape it themselves.
“I’d love for students to use our time together to ask questions, share their ambitions and test ideas,” Nelson said. “There are so many different ways to shape the future of journalism, and I want to help students think creatively about what’s possible.”
Pounder said he’s excited to return to campus and connect with students preparing to enter the world of political communication.
“As a GW alumnus, it's always great to have the opportunity to come back, engage with students and share perspectives from a career spent in politics and public affairs,” Pounder said. “I'm really looking forward to helping students learn more about political communications, the media and how to apply what they learn to real-world case studies.”
Before founding Bullpen Strategy Group, a strategic advisory firm based in Washington, D.C., with offices in Dallas and London, Pounder worked on presidential and congressional campaigns, and served in senior advisory roles within the government.
He was a senior adviser to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s 2016 presidential campaign, communications director in Rubio’s U.S. Senate office and deputy campaign manager for Rubio’s successful 2010 Senate race.
Pounder also served as research director and deputy communications director at the Republican National Committee during the 2012 election cycle. Earlier in his career, he worked with House Republican Whip Eric Cantor, B.A.'85, on Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain’s and Republican Utah Gov. Mitt Romney’s 2008 presidential campaigns, and in the White House Office of Communications under President George W. Bush.
As a Terker fellow, Pounder said he’s looking forward to having thoughtful conversations with students. For those preparing to enter the field, his biggest advice is to learn by example and stay engaged.
“Expertise in political communication comes from observing what others are doing, who is coming up with creative media strategies, who is making mistakes, and then applying all those lessons learned to your own career,” Pounder said. “By watching, engaging and finally doing for yourself, you'll pick up a wealth of knowledge that you will tap into every day whether working in the media, a campaign or an advocacy group. Also, by seeking out a diverse set of information and media sources, they are preparing themselves to know which voices are shaping the important conversations every day.”
He also wants to encourage students to be curious and proactive.
“There’s no better way to learn than to ask questions,” Pounder said. “I’m looking forward to conversations about everything from the fractured media environment to how AI is reshaping communications.”
Peter Loge, director of SMPA, expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s fellows.
“Joe Pounder has shaped strategy at the highest levels of American politics, and Liz Nelson is at the forefront of journalism innovation,” Loge said. “Their insights will be invaluable to our students, and I’m thrilled to have them join our community.”
