Joyce Slocum, who led Texas Public Radio since 2014 and served in leadership roles at NPR, died Sunday of complications from colon cancer, the station announced Monday. She was 66.
“Joyce’s passing is a tremendous loss for TPR and the public media sector,” said TPR Board Chair Lori Castillo in a press release.
During her time at TPR, Slocum led a capital campaign and the completion of a new headquarters in downtown San Antonio.
“Slocum was instrumental in TPR’s growth from an organization of modest size and ambition to one whose reach and influence is recognized nationwide, with a deep passion for storytelling rooted in South Texas,” said an obituary on the station’s website.
She also led the growth of local journalism and the expansion of podcasts and Spanish-language news at the station.
Slocum began at NPR in 2008 and served in various roles, including chief administrative officer, general counsel and chief ethics officer. She served on NPR’s board of directors from 2015–21.
Dave Edwards, who was NPR’s board chair when Slocum was elevated to interim CEO in 2011 and served in the role for nine months, called her a “dynamic leader, a tireless advocate for journalism and public radio” in a post on his website.
“I had many conversations with her, and each time, I was impressed with her ability to find solutions that worked while still meeting the needs of staff, stations, and others,” Edwards said. “… She won over those who didn’t think [NPR] had a future.”
Slocum received the Public Radio Regional Organizations’ annual PRRO Award in 2013, in part for her work leading NPR following a political controversy that led to the ouster of CEO Vivian Schiller.
“Because of her impact as NPR’s interim CEO, Joyce was admired and respected across the industry,” Castillo said in the release. “Moreover, her ambitious vision for TPR has made it one of the country’s preeminent public media organizations.”
Slocum “made countless contributions to this network throughout her distinguished career,” NPR CEO John Lansing said in a statement. As interim CEO, Lansing said, Slocum led NPR “during a critical moment of transition for the organization.”
“Joyce was a leader in the collaborative journalism efforts of NPR and Member organizations,” Lansing added. “She will be remembered as a strong advocate for the promise and power of our local/national network and our shared mission of journalism in the public interest.”
Slocum began her career in private practice as an attorney. She went on to work for 10 years as a legal and business adviser for 7-Eleven Inc. Prior to joining NPR, she was executive VP of global legal and business affairs and general counsel for HIT Entertainment, a children’s entertainment company.
“Instead of sending flowers, Joyce would rather see people contribute to TPR,” her brother, Michael Slocum, said in the release. “She was so proud to make TPR her legacy.”
Rebecca Caven has stepped into the role of TPR’s interim CEO.