Scott Woelfel was let go from his position as CCO for WABE in Atlanta.
The Atlanta-Journal Constitution reported on Woelfel’s job status last month. Sherri Daye Scott, a spokesperson for the station, told the newspaper that his departure “was part of a strategic restructuring” that eliminated his job and created three new content units for newsroom, video and audio. These new units will report to CEO Jennifer Dorian, according to the spokesperson.
Woelfel told the newspaper that he has a nondisclosure agreement and would not comment.
Woelfel joined WABE in 2020. He previously worked as an EVP of IfThenDigital, a marketing company. He also held several positions at CNN.
PBS Hawaii announced several staff changes.
Robert Pennybacker, formerly VP of learning initiatives, became VP of business development. During his tenure with the station, Pennybacker has managed Hiki Nō, a statewide student-produced news network that premiered in 2011 and has aired episodes entirely in Ni‘ihau, a traditional Hawaiian dialect.
Brent Keane stepped up to director of learning initiatives. He joined PBS Hawaii as an editor and assistant producer in 2019 and also worked as a co-producer and editor for Hiki Nō. Before that he was GM for KALO, an independent television station in Honolulu.
Grazielle Domingo became learning initiatives coordinator after working as an administrative assistant for Hiki Nō. Lori Kaya, a former grant writer, was named grants manager.
In addition, Andrew Gumm joined PBS Hawaii this summer as learning initiatives editor, videographer and audio specialist. He previously worked as a theater teacher in San Diego. And Wyatt Dooley was hired as a technology specialist. Dooley previously worked as a test associate for Experis Game Solutions in Tempe, Ariz.
Marketing
Jeneissy Azcuy was promoted to SVP of marketing, communications and education outreach for South Florida PBS in Miami. She joined the station in 2015 as director of corporate communications and has also been senior director of corporate communications and VP of marketing and communications. She previously worked as communications director for WLRN in Miami.
Content
NPR named Kelley Dickens deputy EP for Morning Edition. Dickens joined NPR in 2020 as an editor for the program and was promoted to supervising editor last year. She previously worked for commercial television stations in Indiana, Michigan and Virginia. At the South Bend, Ind., ABC affiliate, she was news director and led an in-depth series on opioid addiction while launching companion podcasts.
Shanta Covington joined the weekly radio show and podcast Our Body Politic as co-EP and will work with co-EP Nina Spensley. Covington most recently worked as a senior producer for The Takeaway at WNYC in New York City. She also has experience as a producer for CNN and MSNBC. “We are thrilled to have Shanta helm Our Body Politic’s political coverage at a time when we are expanding into original documentary work and preparing for the 2024 election cycle,” said Farai Chideya, creator and host of the show, in a news release. “With the recent addition of multiple guest hosts including Washington Post’s Karen Attiah to our roster, we are all fired up and ready to go.” Our Body Politic airs in at least 93 markets.
Al Letson was named interim host for First Coast Connect, a daily radio program produced by WJCT in Jacksonville, Fla. Letson takes over for Melissa Ross, who left the station this year to work on the communications team for Jacksonville Mayor-Elect Donna Deegan. Letson, currently a host for Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting, was host and EP for State of the Re:Union, a syndicated public radio program, from 2013 to 2015.
Gabe Bullard announced on LinkedIn that he will become a full-time freelancer and will resign as managing producer for Here & Now, a nationally distributed radio program produced by WBUR in Boston. Bullard will relocate to Basel, Switzerland. “I’ve enjoyed my time on the show and am looking forward to the next adventure,” he said on LinkedIn. I’m lining up writing, editing, producing, and consulting gigs now, so please let me know if you’re interested in what I do.” Bullard joined WBUR in 2022. Before that he worked for WAMU in Washington, D.C., as interim news director and in several positions for the daily program 1A.
John Horn, a host for LAist in Los Angeles, announced on Twitter that he left the station. “Thanks to all who listened to The Frame, Hollywood: The Sequel, or Retake. Life in public radio has been fulfilling and educational, having entered with no real radio experience,” he tweeted. Horn joined LAist in 2014 after working as a staff writer for the Los Angeles Times.
Connor Cyrus, co-host and senior producer for Vermont Edition, produced by Vermont Public, resigned from the organization. Cyrus joined Vermont Public in 2021. During his tenure, he hosted political debates and Vermont This Week. Co-host Mikaela Lefrak will become Vermont Edition’s sole full-time host. “We appreciate Connor’s contributions to Vermont Edition and other programs over the last two years, and I know our audience has benefitted from them too,” said CEO Scott Finn in a news release. “We wish him all the best in his career.”
Fritz Bergmann retired from his position as senior director of national productions for TPT in St. Paul, Minn. Bergmann joined TPT in 2008.
Governance
Rishi Hingoraney, SVP of revenue for Stacker, a newswire, was elected treasurer for Colorado Public Radio. Hingoraney succeeds Diane Reeder, a financial and management consultant with Thompson White, LLC, who retired from the board.
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