Suraya Mohamed will serve as EP for NPR Music.
Mohamed joined NPR Music in 2004 as a producer and has been steadily promoted. She most recently worked as senior manager.
“As part of her new role, Suraya will lead the development and production of content across NPR Music’s podcasts, programs and shows including Tiny Desk, Alt.Latino, Jazz Night in America, All Songs Considered and NPR Music’s acquired shows; coordinating all aspects of licensing, production workflow, post-production and program distribution and revenue across multiple platforms,” Keith W. Jenkins, VP of visuals and music strategy, said in a memo to staff. “This work will tie into NPR’s new Culture Hub, as well as our overall broadcast and podcast offerings.”
American Public Television announced several staff changes.
Paul Higgins was promoted to COO. Higgins joined APT in 2019 as VP of finance and administration and was previously promoted to chief administrative officer in 2022.
Before joining APT, Higgins was CFO for Project Bread, VP of finance for Politico, and held several roles with GBH in Boston, including managing director of production finance and operations.
Judy Barlow was elevated to EVP of growth. Barlow, who joined APT in 1997, previously worked as VP of business development and international sales. A news release credited her with being responsible for APT’s international sales group, APT Worldwide, as well as APT Presentations, which presents public media properties in the U.S.
Andrew Clarke, who had previously worked as communications editor for APT Exchange since 2020, was promoted to communications specialist for APT Exchange.
Rachel Turell, APT’s office assistant since 2014, stepped up to operations specialist and will work with the COO, the finance team and other parts of the organization.
Cassie Farrelly joined WITF in Harrisburg, Pa., as SVP and chief impact officer.
As part of her role, Farrelly will oversee audience development, community engagement and product development.
Farrelly most recently worked as COO and director of strategic initiatives for the Penn State University College of Medicine. She has also been director of corporate services and strategy for the British Consulate General in New York.
“I’m thrilled that Cassie has accepted the role of Chief Impact Officer,” said WITF CEO Ron Hetrick in a news release. “Her extensive background in non-profit strategic planning, theory, and practice, and her years of operational experience will help guide WITF into our next phase of service to the people and communities of Central Pennsylvania.”
Ken Wiley, host of Art of Jazz for KNKX in Tacoma, Wash., retired last month.
Wiley became host of the program in 1982. When he started the show, he was teaching English in Tacoma Public Schools. He retired from teaching in 1994, according to the Seattle Times.
“In many ways, Ken provided a cornerstone for 88.5’s evolution into one of the country’s most popular jazz stations,” said GM Joey Cohn in a program announcement last month. “To honor his legacy, KNKX will rename one of the audio recording studios in the Tacoma studio the ‘Ken Wiley Production Studio.’”
Wiley’s Sunday slot now features an all-eras variety music program, Tree of Jazz, hosted by new hire Justus Sanchez. Sanchez most recently worked as PD for the Association of Minnesota Public Educational Radio Stations, an association of 18 community radio stations also known as Ampers.
Management
Silvia Rivera announced on LinkedIn that she was hired as director of local news for the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Rivera most recently worked as senior business strategist for the Listening Post Collective. Before that, she was managing director at Vocalo, a station operated by Chicago Public Media.
Content
Elisha Anderson was hired as managing editor of journalism for Detroit Public TV. Anderson previously worked for the Detroit Free Press, first as an assistant convergence editor in 2007 and later as an investigative reporter. She was also a journalist for NBC affiliates in Des Moines and Waterloo, Iowa. “I’m thrilled to join Detroit Public Television and have the opportunity to work with this talented team,” she said in a news release. “It’s an honor to be able to tell important, in-depth stories. My aim is to continue delivering quality content that makes a difference in our community.”
Vic Vela announced that he’s leaving his role as a reporter and host for Colorado Public Radio. Vela, who joined the station in 2015, has hosted four seasons of Back From Broken, a podcast that features personal stories about overcoming adversity. “It has been my great privilege and a tremendous joy talking to you folks on the radio on weekends, and sharing inspiring stories of recovery on my Back from Broken podcast,” he said on X. Vela said he will have “big news to share when the time is right.”
Charlotte Evelyn Wilson joined WMHT Public Media in Troy, N.Y., as a classical music host and producer. Wilson most recently worked as an afternoon concert host for WUOT in Knoxville, Tenn., while also holding a contract role as a classical music host for KBAQ in Phoenix. From 2008–22, she was a radio presenter for Radio New Zealand and also worked as a presenter for the BBC. “I am gratified to be joining the team at Classical WMHT-FM,” said Wilson in a news release. “I am a music and art fiend who fell in love with the diversity, opportunity, culture and friendliness of the US, and can’t wait to connect with our audience.”
Laura Herberg announced on X that she’s leaving her position as a community reporter and fill-in anchor for WDET in Detroit. Herberg first worked for WDET in 2011 as a producer for The Craig Fahle Show. She later rejoined the station in 2015 as a special projects producer and has also worked as the Weekend Edition Sunday host. She first worked in public radio as an NPR intern producing for State of the Re:Union.
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