The DTH Media Corp. Board of Directors is comprised of 12 members, spanning students to media professionals with expertise in journalism, public relations, nonprofits and the revenue side of the news industry.

For years, the Board of Directors was primarily populated by UNC students. Under the new structure, the Board will continue to have a strong student leadership that is accountable to the campus. But the increase in professionals should ensure greater financial oversight, more strategic planning and an increased focus on fundraising.

Student Members

Gavin Zhu, President

Email: president@dailytarheel.com

Gavin Zhu, a third-year student from Cornelius, North Carolina, is pursuing a double major in Business Administration and Computer Science along with a minor in Journalism. Through his time at UNC, Gavin hopes to employ his education towards entrepreneurial innovation and leveraging finance to generate positive good in the world.   

“I see the Daily Tar Heel organization as a vital component of our Chapel Hill community. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I realized that the Carolina culture spreads itself amongst members even beyond the local community. The DTH represents the culmination of all our passions, experiences, interests, etc. By being part of this board, I hope to ensure that the DTH is financially and operationally capable of bringing people together now and in the distant future.”

Flavia Nunez, Vice President

Email: vicepresident@dailytarheel.com

Flavia Nunez Ludeiro, a third-year from Miami, Florida, is pursuing a double major in Business Administration and Economics as well as a minor in Conflict Management. Her academic journey is driven by finding the intersection of creative problem-solving and community service. 

“As an independent newspaper for students by students, the DTH is integral to the community of Chapel Hill. As a board, we remain committed to serve courageous student journalists and support the sustainability of the DTH.”

Allyson Horst, Treasurer

Allyson Horst, a sophomore from Naples, Florida, is pursuing a double major in Public Policy and Geography as well as a minor in Education. With a strong passion for understanding how education policies influence social mobility, she is particularly focused on how these policies shape opportunities for students across the United States. After graduation Allyson hopes to pursue a Master's in Education. 

"The Daily Tar Heel is a foundational organization not only at UNC-CH but across the country. It is incredibly inspiring to serve in this position to support the sustainability of student journalism." 

Guillermo Estrada, Secretary

Guillermo Estrada, from Goldsboro, NC, is a sophomore majoring in Advertising and Public Relations. Passionate about government communications and advocating for important causes, he aspires to become a communications director after graduation.  

"The Daily Tar Heel empowers the next generation of whistleblowers and journalists who hold our government accountable at the local, state, and national levels. I’m proud to support student journalism and help it thrive at UNC."

Laurel Jennings, student member

Laurel Jennings is a junior from Hendersonville, NC double majoring in economics and global studies.  Deeply involved in high school journalism, Laurel has been deeply passionate about the student's right to free speech/expression. 

 "I have been inspired by the talented work of the Daily Tar Heel and was thrilled about the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors for the DTH.  I am honored to be a part of such an impactful organization that empowers the student body and informs the local community."  

Professional Members 

Amanda Reid, faculty/staff member 

Assistant Professor at UNC Chapel Hill

Amanda is an associate professor at the Hussman School of Journalism and Media, where she teaches media law courses. She also has a courtesy appointment at the UNC School of Law and the UNC School of Information and Library Science. Se serves as faculty co-director of the UNC Center for Media Law and Policy. 

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." I take the First Amendment seriously. I’m excited to watch local media in action."



Marisa Porto, faculty/staff member

Assistant Professor at UNC Chapel Hill

Marisa Porto is the Knight Chair in Local News and Sustainability and studies entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence and business continuity in the news media. Porto has held leadership roles in traditional media, nonprofits, startups and academia. Prior to joining academia, Porto’s professional experience included positions as executive editor, vice president, and publisher. She has held service leadership roles in regional, national, and international organizations dedicated to mentorship, diversity, and trust in journalism. She has served as an adviser for news organizations in the United States and the countries of Ukraine and Georgia. Porto holds a bachelor’s in journalism from the University of South Carolina and an MBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus. "When I was in school, I came across a quote by Tom Stoppard that stayed with me: ‘Information is light. Information in itself, about anything, is light.’ It struck me so deeply that I carried it with me for years—and in many ways, I still do. Now more than ever, I believe in the power of the press to confront injustice, hold power to account and make a difference in the world."

Dana Anthony, community member

Account executive

Dana Anthony is a DTH and UNC-Chapel Hill alum. In 2020, she graduated from the School of Media and Journalism with a master's in Media and Communication and served as an arts desk writer and fundraising specialist at DTH. In addition, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from N.C. Central University with a B.A. in Mass Communications in 2018. In her current role, she serves as an Account Executive at G&S Business Communications in Raleigh, NC.

"I am excited to serve the DTH in this new role. Having worked as a student and within an internal position, I am excited to bring my knowledge to help push the newsroom to its next level."

Mark Meares, community member

Mark Meares is UNC alum and a fifty-year resident of Chapel Hill. During his career, Mark served as the publisher/executive vice president of several Village Companies including the Village Advocate, the Triangle Pointer, Village Printing and the Leader Magazine and then for the last 25 years as the Associate Vice Chancellor of Corporate and Foundation Relations for UNC Chapel Hill. At UNC he was proud to be involved with the creation of and funding for several groundbreaking programs including the College Advising Corps, UNC Center for the Cure of Aids, the Law Schools Center for Civil Rights and C-STEP, a community college transfer pipeline program for North Carolina community college students to UNC Chapel Hill.