KERA in Dallas has hired Nico Leone as its president and CEO.
Leone has led KCUR in Kansas City, Mo., for seven years. He replaces Mary Anne Alhadeff, who will retire at the end of the year after 14 years with KERA.
Leone starts in the role Feb. 3.
“We believe his vision and passion for our mission will inspire staff and audiences alike as we expand KERA’s service to North Texas,” said Jennifer Altabef, chair of KERA’s board of directors, in a press release.
During Leone’s time at KCUR, the newsroom doubled its staff while its digital audience tripled and community financial support doubled, according to the release. Prior to KCUR, Leone was co-executive director of KDHX in St. Louis. He serves on NPR’s board of directors.
KERA, a dual licensee, also operates the Triple A music station KXT 91.7 and arts service Art&Seek.
In his new role, Leone will also oversee The Texas Newsroom, a journalism collaborative involving Texas stations and NPR.
“KERA has a proud legacy in the public broadcasting system and I’m honored for this opportunity,” Leone said in the release. “The mission KERA fulfills every day represents how I want to serve the organization — putting the North Texas community at the center of everything we do.”