SAN FRANCISCO — August 29, 2025 — The San Francisco Press Club today announced the appointment of J.D. Morris, San Francisco City Hall reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, to its board of directors.

“J.D. brings both depth and perspective to the Press Club,” said Curtis Sparrer, president of the San Francisco Press Club. “From his award-winning wildfire coverage to his current reporting on the politics shaping San Francisco, he has demonstrated the kind of rigor and dedication that defines great journalism. We are fortunate to have his voice and experience guiding our mission.”

Morris joined the Chronicle in 2018 to cover energy, spending three years reporting extensively on PG&E and California wildfires. He now covers San Francisco City Hall, focusing on Mayor Daniel Lurie. Before joining the Chronicle, Morris reported on local government for the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, where he was among the journalists awarded a Pulitzer Prize for coverage of the 2017 North Bay wildfires. He also previously covered the casino industry for the Las Vegas Sun.

Raised in Monterey County and Bakersfield, Morris earned his bachelor’s degree in rhetoric from UC Berkeley.

“I’m thrilled to become more involved with the Bay Area journalism community as a board member of the San Francisco Press Club,” said Morris. “This region is where I got my start in this industry as a student reporter 15 years ago, and it’s where I’ve made my long-term home, living in San Francisco and writing for the Chronicle. I look forward to helping ensure the Press Club remains a vital resource for journalists in the city and beyond.”