Kinsey Wilson, NPR’s outgoing chief content officer, sent this farewell email to NPR staff Friday.
When I arrived at NPR six years ago, my wife remarked that it was as if I’d finally come home. Here was a place where the journalism I valued was deeply embedded in the culture. And where it was clear that curiosity, innovation and risk-taking could flourish.
It was like having the New York Philharmonic and Miles under the same roof. One representing an artistry refined and perfected over many years. The other, disciplined improvisation.
I tried to nurture both. Tried to develop the reporting and storytelling that is at the heart of our craft, while spurring the quest that would keep us in the game.
Along the way, I had the privilege of working with the most gifted and committed colleagues of my career. Every day I learned from you and drew inspiration from your work whether you were writing scripts or writing code.
I leave, grateful that I was able to contribute to this extraordinary, complex enterprise. And knowing that you will continue to thrive and lead the way.
I’m humbled by the outpouring of thanks and well-wishes that I have received over the past few days. With time, I will respond to each of you.
For now, let me simply say thank you for the best six years of my life. I will remain a devoted listener, reader and observer. And I will forever cherish the opportunity I had to “come home.”
[. . .]
With deepest affection and regard,
Kinsey