LaFontaine Oliver will take over as CEO of New York Public Radio next year, the organization announced Tuesday.
Oliver, who has led three public radio stations over the last 15 years, will begin in his new role in January 2023. He succeeds Goli Sheikholeslami, who left earlier this year to become CEO of Politico.
“He’s a veteran public radio leader and broadcaster who has nimbly led through significant industry shifts of the last 20 years,” Timothy A. Wilkins, chair of NYPR’s board of trustees, said in a press release. “His record of success spans from innovative programming and expanding the audience and reach for public radio to finding creative avenues for continued revenue growth amidst a rapidly changing media landscape. As an experienced station leader and NPR Board Chair, he is well-attuned to the specific challenges facing local journalism and is a champion of the mission-driven, local / national partnership model of public radio.”
Oliver is currently GM of WYPR in Baltimore, where he recently spearheaded a news partnership with the media startup The Baltimore Banner.
Oliver has served as NPR’s board chair since 2020, guiding the board during the pandemic and through passage of an ambitious NPR Network plan, which involves collaboration between NPR and stations on a series of digital initiatives.
Prior to joining WYPR, Oliver was GM of WMFE in Orlando, Fla., and WEAA in Baltimore.
“I am beyond excited to join the talented team at New York Public Radio,” Oliver said in the release. “This opportunity brings together my career’s work and passion for our ever-evolving medium with one of public media’s most innovative and successful organizations. To continue that work in service of one of the most diverse communities in the country will be a true honor.”