National Press Photographers Foundation Welcomes New Leaders in Visual Journalism
The National Press Photographers Foundation (NPPF) has appointed four accomplished visual journalists and media leaders whose collective work reflects the evolving craft, reach, and responsibility of visual storytelling. J. David Ake, Sonny Hutchison, Eric Seals, Evey Wilson Wetherbee, Brianna Sanchez, and Keith W. Jenkins bring decades of experience across photography, video, investigative reporting, editing, and newsroom leadership, strengthening the foundation’s mission to advance visual journalism through education and direct support.
J. David Ake
J. David Ake is a American photojournalist and retired Director of Photography for The Associated Press. Over a distinguished career with AP and other major news agencies, he led global visual journalism, directed coverage of major world events and U.S. political beats, and oversaw award-winning teams. Ake joined AP in 1997 after work with Reuters, United Press International and Agence France-Presse and went on to shape AP’s photo operations, mentoring photographers worldwide. In retirement he continues to make and share photography.
Sonny Hutchison
Sonny Hutchison’s entire career is rooted in photojournalism, with an extensive background in local TV news, including stints at Louisville’s WHAS-TV and KUSA-TV in Denver. He was a producer/director on the thirteen-hour documentary series How the West Was Lost for the Discovery Channel. Sonny was a Cinematography Fellow at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles and is a proud graduate of the 1975 NPPA Television Newsvideo Workshop.
Eric Seals
Eric Seals is a senior photojournalist at The Detroit Free Press whose career spans more than two decades of national and international coverage. His work ranges from major global conflicts to Olympic Games and championship sporting events, combining depth of reporting with a strong visual sensibility. Seals’ storytelling has earned wide recognition, including national Edward R. Murrow and Webby awards, multiple Multimedia Photographer of the Year honors, Picture of the Year International awards, and eleven Emmy Awards. His career reflects a sustained commitment to visual reporting that informs, connects, and documents history as it unfolds.
Evey Wilson Wetherbee
Evey Wilson Wetherbee is an investigative journalist, documentary filmmaker, and educator whose work centers on accountability and community impact. She is an Assistant Professor of Practice in Journalism at Mercer University and has produced award-winning long-form documentary and audio projects. Her film Saving Juliette examined a rural Georgia community’s fight for clean water and aired nationally on PBS. She is also the creator of the investigative podcast Prison Town, which explored systemic issues within the Georgia Department of Corrections and received a Peabody Award nomination. Her work bridges reporting, teaching, and public-service storytelling.
Brianna Sanchez
Brianna Sanchez is a visual journalist and photo editor at The Boston Globe, where she helps shape one of the country’s most respected visual news operations. She previously served as Director of Photography at The Austin American-Statesman, guiding visual coverage that earned national recognition, including Pulitzer Prize finalist honors for coverage of a mass shooting. Sanchez began her career as a staff photojournalist, grounding her leadership in firsthand reporting experience. Her work reflects a focus on strong editing, ethical visual storytelling, and mentoring the next generation of journalists.
Keith W. Jenkins
Keith W. Jenkins is an accomplished digital strategist and visual journalism leader with a career spanning The Washington Post, NPR, and National Geographic. He has led award-winning teams across print, broadcast, and digital platforms, with work recognized by Pulitzer, Emmy, Peabody, Murrow, World Press Photo, and Webby awards. Most recently, Jenkins served as Vice President of Music and Visuals Strategy at NPR, where he helped redefine how visuals support audience-first storytelling across platforms. His leadership emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and expanding the role of visual journalism in a changing media landscape.
Together, Ake, Hutchison, Seals, Wetherbee, Sanchez, and Jenkins represent the breadth of contemporary visual journalism—from frontline reporting and investigative work to editing, education, and executive leadership. Their appointments reflect NPPF’s continued commitment to supporting visual storytellers, preserving journalistic standards, and investing in the future of the profession.