WFIT in Melbourne, Fla., announced two hires.
Steven Keller joined the station as PD. He previously worked as GM and PD for WCVF at the State University of New York in Fredonia, N.Y., and is a singer in the band Best Supporting Actor.
“As a long-time fan of the station, I am thrilled to now be part of its inner workings,” Keller said in a news release. “WFIT is truly a cornerstone of our community, and I am eager to contribute to its continued success.”
Andy Scholl was hired as WFIT’s membership and volunteer manager. Before joining the station, he did fundraising work for Candlelighters of Brevard County, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to children with cancer and their families.
“I am excited to connect with our donors and further strengthen our connections with the community,” Scholl said in the news release. “WFIT holds a special place in the hearts of Brevard County residents, and I am committed to enhancing our community engagement efforts.”
Nine PBS in St. Louis added two senior-level staffers to its individual giving team.
Shamed Dogan was appointed senior director of campaign operations. He previously worked as director of partnerships for Show Me Integrity, a political organization. He was also a member of the Missouri House of Representatives representing the 98th District in St. Louis County and served as alderman for the city of Ballwin.
Lesley Walker, who joined Nine PBS as senior director of major gifts, most recently worked as development manager for Texas Cultural Trust. She was also development and grants coordinator for Preservation Austin, executive assistant to the director of the Blanton Museum of Art, and an art specialist for several organizations.
Content
Nicole Werbeck was promoted to director of visuals for NPR. Werbeck first joined NPR in 2008 as homepage editor and most recently worked as supervising editor of visuals. She has also been a senior photo editor for National Geographic and photo editor and deputy news editor for the Washington Post.
Carrie Evans resigned from her position as PD for WTMD in Towson, Md. Evans joined the station in 2019 as afternoon host and was promoted to the PD role in 2022. “Sadly, in December my beloved Dad, Sam, whose record collection had a lot to do with my career path, passed away,” Evans said in a statement. “As a member of the sandwich generation, I suddenly found myself torn between my work responsibilities and the growing needs of my family. With the support of the Baltimore Public Media team, I took some time off to spend with my loved ones and assess the necessities required of my new normal. My family’s needs have proven very challenging and even though I do so with a heavy heart I have made the difficult decision to step away from my position at WTMD to prioritize my family.” Tyler LaPorte, music director and host, will serve as interim PD.
Kris Husted was promoted to investigative editor for the Midwest Newsroom, a public radio collaboration led by KCUR in Kansas City, Mo., that also includes Nebraska Public Media, Iowa Public Radio, St. Louis Public Radio and NPR. Husted joined the newsroom in 2021 as senior content editor and has been interim investigative editor since April 2023. He succeeds Steve Vockrodt, who left public media to become an investment writer for American Century Investments.
Maia Hibbett announced on X that she was hired as a politics editor for WNYC/Gothamist in New York City. “I’ll be editing city & state coverage for web & radio, and I’m very excited! I start June 10,” she said. Hibbett previously worked as managing editor for New York Focus, a nonprofit newsroom. She was also an associate editor for The Intercept and a fact-checker for New York magazine.
Benjamin Chavis, former executive director and CEO of the NAACP and current CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, will host The Good News, a daily radio commentary for WYPR and WTMD in Baltimore and Towson, Md. Chavis is the EP and host of The Chavis Chronicles, a weekly program that airs on public television stations. “We intend to amplify those impactful good news stories that help to inspire and motivate positive social transformation, equality and equity,” said Chavis in a news release.
Governance
The University Station Alliance appointed two new members to its board of directors: Corey Lewis, GM of WGCU in Fort Myers, Fla.; and Carl A’See, GM of Statement Media, which oversees WSSB, WOBS and WPJK at South Carolina State University.
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