Freedom of the Press Gala

Marty Baron is arguably the most revered journalist of his generation. He has been a fierce advocate for the First Amendment and the public’s right to know through senior editing positions at the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times and as the top editor at the Miami Herald, the Boston Globe and the Washington Post. Under his leadership, the three papers won 18 Pulitzer Prizes, including the Boston Globe Spotlight Team’s exposure of the massive cover-up by the Catholic Church of sexual abuse of children by thousands of priests.

Walter V. Robinson held many positions during 34 years at the Boston Globe – among them political reporter who covered four presidential elections, White House correspondent, foreign correspondent, city editor and metropolitan editor. He is best-known for leading the Spotlight Team’s investigation of clergy sexual abuse. He was portrayed by actor Michael Keaton in the 2015 Oscar-winning film Spotlight. 

Shirley Leung is an award-winning columnist for The Boston Globe, covering the intersection of business, politics, and diversity. She co-authors the Globe’s new subscriber-only newsletter, Power Play, co-hosts the Globe Opinion podcast “Say More,” and is a regular contributor to GBH’s Boston Public Radio. A former Globe business editor and interim editorial page editor, she has been named one of Boston Magazine’s “150 Most Influential Bostonians.” Before joining the Globe, she was a reporter for The Wall Street Journal. A graduate of Princeton University, she began her journalism career at her hometown paper, The Baltimore Sun.

Harry Santa-Olalla, “The Fundraising Guy,” is a professional auctioneer and experienced fundraising consultant known for leading engaging, high-energy auctions and supporting nonprofits in creating memorable event experiences.