Organization Charts Course for Growth with New Officers and Expanded Programming
SAN FRANCISCO—March 3, 2026—The San Francisco Press Club has elected new board leadership and announced plans for its annual gala, reaffirming its expanding role as a leading advocate for journalists and media professionals across the Bay Area.
Amid sustained membership growth and record-breaking event attendance, the organization is entering 2026 with renewed momentum, focused on expanding professional development programming, increasing scholarship support and strengthening connections across the region’s media community.
Curtis Sparrer, principal at Bospar, was elected president for the sixth consecutive year, with Mimi Towle, editor and co-founder of 270 Media, serving as vice president; Zahid Arab, senior public policy and communications manager at Uber, as contest manager; and John Ferrannini, assistant news editor at the Bay Area Reporter, as secretary. Towle, Arab and Ferrannini previously served as board directors and bring extensive experience in journalism, public affairs and media leadership. The newly constituted board has already convened to set priorities focused on professional development, student scholarships and strengthening connections between journalists and communicators.
“The San Francisco Press Club plays a vital role in supporting the region’s journalism community,” said Sparrer. “We’re excited about the year ahead and committed to delivering meaningful programming, recognition and connection for media professionals throughout the Bay Area. Our continued growth shows that even in challenging times for media, there is a strong appetite for community and excellence.”
Under Sparrer’s leadership, the Club has expanded programming and provided scholarships, supported by strong membership engagement and generous gala sponsors. The Club also announced plans for its 49th annual awards gala this December, building on last year’s milestone event, which sold out weeks in advance for the third consecutive year.
“I am honored to take on this role as vice president with the San Francisco Press Club, as it continues to grow in numbers and stature,” said Towle. “Journalism is very vulnerable right now, so ensuring its vitality is critical. This is not just a worthwhile organization; it’s essential to Bay Area journalists.”