Public media veteran John Hess will become GM of Milwaukee’s WUWM in January.
Hess steps into the vacancy left by Dave Edwards, who had led the station since 1985 until his retirement this year.
Hess is COO at Arizona Public Media in Tucson and has led other public media stations, including Boise State Public Radio, where he was executive director for more than 10 years.
Hess “brings a remarkable portfolio of experience in media and he has been an innovative leader at two university-affiliated public radio stations,” said Scott Gronert, dean of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee College of Letters & Science, which operates WUWM, in a press release. “He is devoted to strong, independent journalism, has extensive experience in fundraising and is committed to using media to help build vibrant, inclusive communities. John Hess brings the perfect skill set and vision to be the next leader of WUWM.”
Hess begins in the role Jan. 13.