RNA names Emily Churchill director of operations

Emily Churchill

The Religion News Association is pleased to announce Emily Churchill as its new director of operations, effective May 6.

“It feels like I’m coming home,” said Churchill. “The RNA community has shaped my career and supported me for nearly a decade, so stepping into this role is more than just an honor—it’s deeply personal. I’m excited for the opportunity to work with the board and our members to help RNA grow, thrive, and support the work of hardworking religion journalists around the world.”

Churchill, who moves into the director role after serving as RNA’s business manager since October 2024, is a communications and operations specialist for nonprofits. She replaces former director Jake Owens, whose contract the RNA board voted in April not to renew. 

“Emily has been an absolute gift to RNA since joining the staff last year,” said Dawn Araujo-Hawkins, president of RNA’s board of directors. “Not only does she truly understand our mission and membership, she also brings a highly professional level of nonprofit management skills. She has already shared many ideas for how to strengthen RNA, and the board looks forward to working with her to implement them.”

Churchill previously served as the director of operations for the Religion News Foundation, which is an affiliate organization of RNA. She was also a communications specialist for the political engagement group Black Muslim Leadership Council and the national director of communications for Emgage, a nonpartisan organization devoted to ensuring equal constitutional rights for underrepresented communities.

She holds master’s degrees in both religion and journalism from Columbia University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in religious studies and foreign affairs from the University of Virginia. 

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About the Religion News Association

Since 1949, the Religion News Association has been the premier professional association for people who report on religion in the news media. Its mission is to equip journalists throughout the world with the tools and resources they need to cover religion with balance, accuracy and insight.

For media inquiries, please contact RNA president Dawn Araujo-Hawkins at dawn_araujohawkins@christiancentury.org