American University named Erika Pulley-Hayes as GM of its public radio station WAMU in Washington, D.C., Tuesday.
She comes to WAMU from Orlando, Fla., where she has been CEO of Community Communications Inc., the licensee of WMFE and WMFV, since January 2020. Pulley-Hayes was previously VP of radio at CPB, where she had worked since 2005.
Her first day at WAMU is Aug. 30.
“Erika is an extraordinary and accomplished leader in public media,” said Seth Grossman, American University’s VP of people and external affairs and chief of staff, in a press release. “With her impressive background at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and leading an NPR affiliate and extensive management experience, Erika is the perfect general manager to build on WAMU’s strengths and lead it to an even brighter future. We are excited to welcome her to WAMU and American University and back to Washington, D.C.”
Pulley-Hayes currently serves on the NPR board of directors.
“I consider WAMU to be my home station for the 20 years I spent living and working in the region,” Pulley-Hayes said in the release. “To say I’m thrilled about this opportunity would be an understatement. I look forward to connecting with the staff and the greater community through conversations, and I look forward to working on building a sustainable pathway for success for WAMU. Being able to do all that and return to Washington, D.C., is a bonus.”
Pulley-Hayes replaces JJ Yore, who resigned last year amid criticism from staff over his handling of employee misconduct.