JAWS Elevates Nicole June to Executive Director

(Grandville, MI, Nov. 3, 2025) - Nicole June has been named full-time executive director of the Journalism & Women Symposium (JAWS).

Nicole previously served in the part-time position of operations director.

Since joining the organization in November 2024, she has helped JAWS to gain financial health including securing new funding, lowering expenses and achieving a healthy profit from CAMP, the group’s annual conference and mentoring program.

JAWS is on track to retain its financial stability for the foreseeable future in large part due to Nicole’s skills and dedication, which is what prompted the board of directors to extend the full-time offer to Nicole.

“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of a promotion than Nicole,” says JAWS President Tanya Gazdik. “I am looking forward to working with her on next year’s CAMP and on other valuable programming we have planned for our members.”

Nicole brings more than a decade of experience in communications, nonprofit operations and on-the-ground newsroom work to the newly expanded role. 

Before going into nonprofit work, Nicole was a journalist in Tennessee. She was digital editor for Clarksvillenow.com, a local digital news organization that served more than 300,000 daily viewers. She also has experience in radio broadcasting and community theater.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville and served in various community volunteer roles during her time there. 

“I am continually inspired by JAWS members and their commitment to the organization and the important work of journalism,” Nicole says. “JAWS plays a vital role in shaping the future of women journalists and I look forward to helping us grow to meet those needs.”

She can be reached at director@jaws.org.