PORTLAND – Jennifer Van Allen, senior client manager at Broadreach Public Relations, has joined the Maine Press Association’s Board of Directors as an associate member. She will complete the term of Linda Varrell, founder and president of Broadreach Public Relations, who served on the board for several years as secretary, as well as on the chair of the Member Services Committee.
The MPA Board of Directors provides leadership and guidance for one of the nation’s oldest professional news organizations. The MPA’s mission is to promote and foster high ethical standards and the best interests of the newspapers, journalists and media organizations in Maine, to encourage improved business and editorial practices and to promote and protect the principles of freedom of speech and of the press and the public’s right to know.
Van Allen has more than two decades of experience writing for daily newspapers, magazines and digital channels. She joined Broadreach in 2022 from Down East magazine, where she served as sponsored content editor. Since then, she has helped dozens of corporate, non-profit and government clients develop creative ways to leverage communications to achieve their development goals.
“Jennifer’s experiences at local, regional, and national newsrooms gives her a unique understanding of the importance of supporting a robust, independent, and multifaceted media market, and the very real challenges media organizations currently face,” Varrell said. “I’m proud to see her take on this role. She will be a thoughtful advocate for both journalists and the organizations that support a free press in Maine.”
MPA Board President Dan MacLeod added that, “Jennifer has deep experience in Maine media and strong relationships across the state’s business community. That perspective is an important asset for the board as we work to grow MPA’s value for members.”
Founded in 2007, Broadreach Public Relations is a women-owned, award-winning strategic communications firm located on Portland’s historic waterfront. Broadreach runs on the Entrepreneurial Operating System and has partnered with over 350 businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits to deliver creative strategies, effective storytelling and measurable results for more than 450 projects. The firm, consisting of nine employees, has earned 75-plus local and national industry awards. We take pride in helping clients build their credibility, raise their profile and expand their reach. Learn more at www.broadreachpr.com.
Established in 1864, the Maine Press Association works to promote ethical journalism, to advocate for the interests of the journalists and organizations that constitute its membership and to protect the freedom of the press and the public’s right to know. Learn more at www.mainepressassociation.org.
